Janine Simpkin, CEO, Marriott Support Services speaks with us today about the organisation she is proud to lead. In this interview, Janine shares how the organisation creates exceptional opportunities and support for people with disabilities, what it takes to lead a business in today’s times and how others can get involved in such a wonderful and much needed support service. Thank you, Janine and congratulations on the success of Marriot Support Services, its social enterprises and the fantastic work you, your team and the volunteers conduct.
- Where does the funding come from to support Marriott Support Services and what does the organisation do?
We are moving to The National Disability Insurance Scheme [NDIS] which is a new way of providing support for people with a disability, their families and carers. Marriott supports over 100 people with more significant disabilities. We focus on their strengths and help them to reach their potential in whatever space they choose like employment, volunteering, social connection or skills development and learning. Sometimes that is by accessing their community with help and other times by upskilling them in areas where they can learn to be more independent like learning to use public transport. Many of the younger ones in this group will move to less support or employment options as their skills increase. It is all based on individuals and their goals in life.
- Can you explain about the two social enterprise businesses which Marriott operates?
We have two social enterprises. The first, Marriott Industries employs about 85 people with disability to work in our warehouses. We pack gifts for Xmas, repack items from overseas and pack sample bags for new mums or events. We pack spices into jars to sell in gourmet shops and complete light assembly jobs; these are a snapshot of some of the work that we do.
Our second social enterprise is the Enviro-Management Services which is classified as a large business that tenders for work in the open market. Enviro integrates people with disability into crews and work is always off-site. We hope to expand this service to training people with disabilities with the skills to work in the open employment market.
Both social enterprises contribute to our bottom line – thus allowing us to be innovative and strategic in the way we deliver services. However, we do rely on financial assistance for the added extras that can change someone’s life forever. Our new Enviro project will not start until this happens.
- If an organisation is looking to recruit and support a person with a disability what advice could you offer them?
Look at someone’s strengths. Design a job around the person, what can they achieve – chances are the time you spend doing this will create a loyal employee who will be hard working and dedicated. With the NDIS there is customised employment support which will help the individual learn a new skill or modify an existing one. Everybody, regardless of education, race, socioeconomic situation or abilities have strengths and areas that need some work – a person with a disability is no different. They can learn, adapt and will always work harder if they are doing something that they are naturally good at – as we all do. People with disability have been found to be very loyal employees with less absenteeism.
- What types of volunteers can add value to Marriott Support Services and how can someone get involved?
Marriott loves volunteers. Our Community program has volunteers to support art, tennis, dancing, cooking, basketball competition and gym– and so the list goes on. Volunteers also help out with admin – as we run on the “smell of an oily rag” and want to use our resources in more direct support. We have skilled volunteering too like with marketing or IT; almost any skill is great to have in a volunteer and can be short term or long term. We also have corporate volunteers, like from NAB, who come in groups as part of their corporate social responsibility programs.
- How would you describe the auditing team at McPhail and Partners?
Very reliable, approachable, pleasant and communicative. Let’s not forget extremely thorough, all of the qualities we admire and need in an auditor.
- What makes you smile at work?
My staff and the way they communicate with everybody – regardless of their abilities. Corridor chats with staff and the people we support uncover so many good stories, and we tend to be very open.
- What makes you feel frustrated at work?
Compliance to the extreme, however absolutely required in this field. We work with a marginalised and vulnerable group who need extra support and protection.
- How would you describe your leadership style?
Open, honest, consultative, and I work to people’s strengths. I believe a CEO should be the face of an organisation and lead by example, especially in this field.
- Industries are extremely competitive nowadays, how does Marriott Support Services remain relevant and competitive?
We are honest about what we do well and work to our strengths. We work well with “behaviours of concern”, these may limit someone’s ability to participate in the community, and we have great success in enabling people with behaviours of concern to be able to engage with the community by learning to manage their behaviours. It is life changing for the individual and their families. Another strength is getting people into employment, and that is also life-changing, giving some financial independence, developing skills and peer connections is excellent for the individual, their family and the community.
We use our local community and partner with them to expand opportunities and build social inclusion. For example, we have a small group volunteering in a commercial kitchen in an aged care facility to develop their skills and social connection and maybe a pathway to training and employment. We will do everything we can to help an individual reach their goals. We are also not afraid to say that someone may be better with another organisation that better suits their interests or needs. This will always be with an organisation that we trust and know well. We are “niche” in the support we provide and work closely with our community to develop and grow to meet their needs.
- How important is social media to Marriott Support Services?
In the past, we have worked on “word of mouth” and reputation. We recognise that to remain viable and grow in the spaces that we wish to expand we need social media. Social media is a wonderful way for the people we support to connect and grow and to reach new customers. We use stories to inspire people to aim high and to follow a dream and to inform people about what is out there, for example, helping people understanding the NDIS. Social media is an excellent way for us to communicate and we are always looking to improve.
For more information about Marriott Support Services visit their website by clicking here.
