The Customer
The Challenge
DCJ recognised that the inability to quickly, easily and consistently gather service provider data was a critical barrier to effective program management. The department relied on manual processes such as emails and spreadsheets to collect NGO data, which was inefficient, error-prone and lacked traceability. In 2023, DCJ launched infoShare, a secure digital data-sharing portal. While a step in the right direction, program managers wishing to change online data collection forms still required IT assistance. Further, the initial system lacked some key functionality the department required, such as scheduling calendars. The department decided to evolve the portal to meet its needs better.
The Solution
DCJ has partnered with PhoenixDX to upgrade infoShare, enhancing its functionality and performance. These improvements have strengthened reporting, particularly for services provided to vulnerable children and families, including victim survivors of Domestic and Family Violence. The data collected can also be used to monitor non-government program performance, build an evidence base on which services positively impact people’s lives, and evaluate their cost-benefit.
A significant enhancement was the introduction of dynamic online forms that allow program managers to customise data entry fields without IT support. In less than 12 months, infoShare was transformed into a user-friendly data collection portal that reduces administrative burden and improves data quality.
Since the upgrade, InfoShare end-users have increased from 100 to nearly 400. Currently, 4 major DCJ programs use the portal and it’s anticipated that a further 5 programs will join in the year ahead.
Results
- Self-managed solution allows non-technical DCJ users to configure the portal
- Reduces dependency on internal IT support and external consultants
- Reduces administrative burden + delivers significant cost savings
- Enables consistent, streamlined NGO data collection and reporting
- Allows evaluation, comparison, + accountability of NGO performance against standards
- Improves data quality + visibility, ensuring data-driven, evidence-based decisions
- Identifies pain points + allows programs and services to be enhanced
- Enables DCJ to meet compliance obligations with the NSW Treasury better
- Easily adaptable for additional DCJ programs and other government agencies
- Provides NSW citizens with better outcomes and value for money.
