Linkedin
Facebook
Email
more
Boys to the Bush is a registered not-for-profit, community-based charity that connects young men with positive role models and opportunities to participate and learn life skills through MENtoring programs, camps and school programs.
The organisation provides supports under the National Disability and Insurance Scheme (NDIS), supporting young men and boys with disability to build participation, capacity and skills to connect with their families, friends and community.
RSM’s business advisory and specialist NDIS team were engaged to identify and support the implementation of a range of key business improvements – from administration and billing to compliance.
Navigating NDIS complexity
Operating a not-for-profit in a niche sector is no easy task. Alongside compliance requirements, effective strategic and financial planning is essential to maximise available resources.
After attending a presentation delivered by RSM’s NDIS and non-profit specialist, Kirsty McGovern-Hooley, Boys to the Bush - Head of Corporate Services, Alison Lee, was intrigued.
“At that time, we needed external expertise to help us navigate conflicting information from suppliers, customers and providers,” remembers Alison.
“We were also managing everything that comes with being an NDIS provider – the potential for funding changes, ensuring that our programs are fit-for-purpose under the NDIS model and that we can support people with a disability, and clarifying the various communications we would receive from plan managers.
“After our initial discussions with Kirsty, she really took the time to understand who we were even before we had officially engaged RSM. This was very important to us because we always try to work with people who have similar values and genuinely want to understand our vision and purpose.”
Valuable, practical advice and ongoing support
Once engaged, RSM’s business advisory team began a thorough review of Boys to the Bush’s operations to understand where they could best offer support.
“Kirsty and her team began with a compliance review of every NDIS service we offer,” says Alison. “This was followed by a deep dive into business improvements – including how we could be more efficient and build capacity around our billing and claiming processes.
“Kirsty’s knowledge of the NDIS was impressive, and we were surprised by the value-add we received along the way. For example, RSM connected us with their Risk Advisory specialist team, which included a registered nurse to conduct a medication policy review, and this really helped drive our understanding of that space.”
Alison also appreciated the ongoing commitment from Kirsty’s team, knowing they could pick up the phone whenever they needed advice.
“RSM’s approach was never ‘here’s the report, all the best!’. They are on hand whenever we need them. We can just call and talk things through, and Kirsty’s experience always provides a fresh perspective.”
The clarity to move forward with purpose
Following the initial project to support compliance and business improvements, Boys to the Bush continues to engage RSM whenever needed.
“With all of our business processes and compliance safeguards well established now, we have the confidence that we’re doing things right,” says Alison.
“While we hope we don’t need to call on the team at RSM to help us work through new challenges, it’s so nice to know they’re always there to assist.”
To date, RSM has successfully supported Boys to the Bush with the following services:
- Strengthening funding stability.
- Supporting government compliance requirements.
- Reviewing and improving administrative capability and capacity.
- Enhancing compliance and surrounding processes.
- Enabling sustainable growth.
“We love having RSM as our trusted advisor. The ongoing engagement gives us a level of comfort because we can address issues quickly.”
