Review Report on the Lump Sum Grant Subvention ... - lwb.gov.hk

in the long term.There are problems encountered in the implementation of theLSGSS, but they should not be insurmountable.2.16 Having analysed the views collected, the IRC considers that theprinciples of the LSGSS are sound. Therefore, the system is worth retaining,and every effort should be made to improve it.Scope for improvement2.17 The objectives of the LSGSS are simple and clear, but one must notunderestimate the difficulty in its implementation. It was an ambitious venture fromthe start, in the sense that it expects all the stakeholders to adapt to their new roles,and the kind of adaptation required is no less than a fundamental paradigm shift.2.18 NGOs, which used to follow prescribed rules in the acquisition and use ofresources, now have to decide how best to manage their resources. Staff have tomove in tandem with their management in this development. Service users also haveto be alert to changes that may affect service quality, and provide timely feedback tothe service providers. Even for the Government which initiated the subventionreform, it is no easy task to manage all the teething problems and align the vision ofall parties concerned, including its own staff in the SWD.2.19 The success of the LSGSS therefore hinges on the stakeholders’ readinessand willingness to assume new roles and accept challenges during the transition.Optimally, the LSGSS should contribute to the development of a responsive andsustainable social welfare sector. It should be able to support a wide range of qualityservices that meet changing social needs. This state is not beyond the reach of ourcommunity, but unless and until stakeholders have the mindset for change, the systemwill not be able to move in its intended direction and its ideal will always remain adistant vision.2.20 Governments elsewhere are continuously modifying their welfare fundingsystems. In recent years, Australia has simplified its funding agreements andperformance indicators; Canada has improved its grants and contributions system andissued Codes of Good Practice to promote collaboration between the government andthe social service sector; New Zealand has also integrated service contracts to saveadministrative resources. More strategic reforms have been carried out by theUnited Kingdom (UK) as the relationships between the government and the voluntary- 15 -