ACSA and BCCM MOU expands opportunity for diverse models of aged care

30 August 2021

Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) and Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM) have today announced the signing of a MOU so ACSA member non-profit aged care providers can find out more about the attributes and benefits of co-operative and mutual enterprises models of care giving.

Co-ops and mutuals are businesses formed to benefit their members, drawn from the stakeholders of the business such as customers and employees. They deliver benefits back to members, rather than profit maximisation and returns to investors.

ACSA CEO Patricia Sparrow said, “The MOU is an exciting commitment to exploring different organisational models and ways in which providers can respond to the Royal Commission findings for older people  to have more control and choice over the services they are receiving.

“We are looking forward to working together with BCCM to inform our members and empower them with  options for the future.”

BCCM CEO Melina Morrison said, “Co-operatives and mutuals share a common aspiration with many Australian non-profit aged care providers to galvanise actions aimed at putting the consumer  at the centre of the business model and ensuring a safe and rewarding workplace for those who care.

“The Aged Care Royal Commission was a rallying call for everyone who cares about a future-looking dignified and safe way to deliver a transparent and world class aged care system.

“We are delighted to partner with ACSA to increase awareness of the co-op and mutual model and how member-ownership and governance can help organisations achieve their aspirations for person centred, compassionate care delivered by aged care workers who feel appreciated and empowered in their workplace.”

The objectives of the MOU are to deliver information and awareness programs about co-ops and mutuals and to offer guidance, encouragement and support to those providers interested in mutualising services or new start-ups.

Building capacity to increase the diversity of ownership and business models among aged care providers is a foundation of this co-operation because both ACSA and BCCM recognise the benefits of consumers and workers having more choice about their services and their work.

View the ACSA/BCCM MOU.