Important update regarding Direct Billing of the Scouts NSW State Membership Fee Dear Scouting colleagues,
We are writing to update you on the status of the Direct Billing project.
As you are aware, the Direct Billing of the Scouts NSW State Membership Fee is a critical initiative for our organisation and is one of the actions we are taking to ensure we can keep operating Scouting sustainably during the year and long into the future.
The Project Team has been working steadily over the past three months to achieve the scheduled go live date of 1 April, which was set in alignment with the beginning of the 2021/22 Scout Financial Year.
We are communicating to inform you that the go live date for the Direct Billing project has been postponed due to a recent and unexpected withdrawal of a critical vendor.
As important stakeholders in the success of the Direct Billing project, we wanted to inform you as soon as possible of this postponement to minimise disruption to your planned local approach.
What does this mean?
Scouting has always called us to be prepared when unforeseen situations arise. The Project Team has put into place a contingency plan for the immediate next few months which includes securing a new vendor. This plan of action allows us to continue supporting our members while ensuring we are able to deliver the Direct Billing project.
Quarter 1 Invoicing
With regards to invoicing of the State Membership Fee for Quarter 1 of the 2021/22 Scout Financial Year (1 April – 30 June), Scouts NSW will issue an invoice to Scout Groups on 1 April as per the current process. This invoice will be for all youth and adult members. An automated reminder regarding the 1 April invoice will be emailed to Groups in the coming days.
The change in circumstances also means that the current Active Kids redemption process will remain in place, with families able to continue redeeming their Active Kids vouchers through the Scouts NSW website.
Communicating with Families
We acknowledge that families have begun to receive the planned hard copy communication regarding the Direct Billing of the State Membership Fee via post. The timing of this is unfortunate. Tomorrow, Monday 15 March, we will be distributing an email communication to all Scouting families to notify them of the postponement of the go live date and to ensure they are aware of the role they will play in this local change.
We acknowledge that there may be a heightened level of confusion given the recent issuing of the hard copy communication and ask that Leaders speak with parents in their Scout Group to clarify any questions.
Thank you
We would like to thank our members, in particular our Group Leaders and Group Treasurers, who have taken proactive steps over the past weeks to support their Groups and members in readiness for Direct Billing.
We acknowledge the immense work you have done in managing invoices and payments, communicating with families and discussing approaches to support your Group. We understand that this postponement is likely to be an imposition given the work you have done over the past weeks to adapt to the incoming process, however we appreciate your flexibility and understanding.
The Board remains committed to delivering the Direct Billing project for Scouts NSW and realising the value it offers to both our members and our organisation as a whole. We will continue to inform and update you about the Direct Billing project through our email communications and the Direct Billing web page.
If you have any questions about Direct Billing or this communication, please contact the Scouts NSW Member Services Team on memberservices@nsw.scouts.com.au.
Yours in Scouting, Robert Mulcahy Interim CEO Scouts NSW Matthew Phillips Treasurer and Project Sponsor Scouts NSW Youth Safety in Scouting Scouts NSW is committed to operating as a child safe organisation and implementing child safe policies and practices in accordance with the elements of a child safe institution outlined by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse report entitled Creating Child Safe Institutions.
Remember All suspicions, concerns or allegations about criminal matters or child protection matters should be reported directly to the Chief Commissioner, the Deputy Chief Commissioner (Youth Safety, Compliance and Support), the CEO or the Child Protection Officer at the NSW State Office.
Imminent Danger If a young person is in imminent danger, the matter should be reported directly and immediately to NSW Police on 131 444. Where a report is made to the police, you should also subsequently notify the NSW State Office.. You've received this email as a member of Scouts Australia NSW, or through your email address being the contact email provided for a member of Scouts Australia NSW. |