How we deliver on our strategy

In addition to measuring what we deliver under our Strong Families, Strong Communities Strategy, we also measure how we deliver under three categories. This allows us to continue to improve how we work with Aboriginal people and other stakeholders. 

1. Keeping Aboriginal culture at the centre

The AHO Aboriginal Cultural Framework underpins our commitment to placing Aboriginal culture at the centre of everything that the AHO does. Elements of the framework include:

• the AHO Engagement Framework, which seeks to ensure respectful communication with clients, tenants, and the broader Aboriginal communities and the stakeholders we work with
• the AHO Aboriginal Employment Strategy, which focuses on recruitment, support and development for Aboriginal staff
• our commitment of the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Participation in Construction Policy and Aboriginal Procurement Policy
• identifying and measuring the impact we have on individuals, Aboriginal communities and the sector by using Aboriginal Impact Statements, surveys, consultation and feedback loops.

Our Aboriginal Cultural Reference Group provides cultural oversight of all aspects of our work, ensuring our business is culturally respectful, appropriate, responsive and in line with the AHO Aboriginal Cultural Framework.

2. Accountability and governance - program oversight

We developed an effective governance structure over the first four years of implementing Strong Family, Strong Communities. We recognise that there are opportunities to strengthen this structure in response to stakeholder feedback. This structure will evolve as part of our commitment to reviewing how we work with Aboriginal community and government partners. The structure includes:

• the SFSC Strategy Program Board
• the AHO Board
• Regional Aboriginal Housing Committees
• the Program Governance Executive Steering Committee

3. Demonstrating change

We want to ensure that our work with communities makes lasting and sustainable improvements. Our commitments under Pillar Four: Data and Evidence, focus on developing an evidence base of good practice. As well as positively impacting on communities, this will provide the necessary base for future funding requests. Regular quarterly reporting progressively paint a picture of the practical impact of our work.