b'Change and disruptionIn addition to this, formal and informal volunteering rates have declined, with overall in society and the national levels of volunteer participation dropping Uniting Church from 34% in 2006 to 25% in 2020, reducing a vital support base for the sector.In recent years, Australia has witnessedAs an employer of a large workforce,significant social disruption, with more stronglyUniting also needs to adapt in how it builds divided opinions on social issues, a decline in trustthe capability of its people. Areas identified as in institutions, and the impacts of the pandemic.challenges include inconsistencies in initiatives In both 2023 and 2024 the Scanlon-Monash Indexaimed at improving employee engagement and of social cohesion was measured at 78, the lowestwellbeing, along with a strong call for enhanced score on record. Since a peak in social cohesionsupport and development opportunities. Staff during the pandemic in November 2020, socialhave expressed the need for more training, cohesion has declined by 13 points. recognition, and role-specific support, as wellThe way people engage with Christian churches inas for flexible work arrangements and policies Australia has also changed dramatically, markedthat promote work-life balance.by a decline in in-person worship attendance, an ageing membership base, and a shift toward digital engagement. The thriving congregationsAdapting to a challenging are often more culturally diverse. Furthermore,funding landscapethere is an increasing reliance on part-time and bi-vocational ministry roles that require bothUniting partners with governments in the professional and pastoral skills.delivery of a range of its services. Limitations in The Uniting Church is navigating these challengesgovernment funding and shifting priorities have in Australia. In response, the Act2 nationalthe potential to impact on the organisations process is underway, focusing on refreshing andability to respond to community needs. With reorganising the church to adapt and thrive in thisstretched budgets, funding for community evolving social landscape. services is likely to remain restricted, and there will be challenges in meeting rising demands and an ageing population.Workforce challenges There is an increasing focus on prevention and Like many workforces, the community servicesearly intervention initiatives but also heightened sector is grappling with intense competition forexpectations for measurable outcomes workers in a tight labour market, with workforcein government-funded services, requiring shortages in key occupations reaching 24% in 2023.additional resources and capabilities.Source: Right Lane Consulting. (2024). Based on: Scanlon Foundation Research Institute. (2024). 2024 Mapping Social Cohesion Report.; Uniting Church in Australia. (n.d.). Assembly Strategic Plan 2020-2024.; Powe, D & Michel, A.A. (2020). 5 Emerging Trends Impacting Church Life.; Victorian Government (2022). Key statistics https://www.vic.gov.au/victorian-skills-plan-state-victorian-labour-market/key-statistics; Volunteering Australia. (2024). Key Volunteering Statistics.; Australian Government. (2023). Intergenerational report 2023: Australia s future to 2063.; BCG. (2023). Navigating future uncertainty in Australia with megatrends. CSIRO. (2022). Our future world: Global megatrends impacting the way we live over coming decades.; Department of Treasury and Finance. (2024). Early Intervention Investment Framework. https://www.dtf.vic.gov.au/funds-programs-and-policies/early-intervention-investment-framework.Uniting 2030 Strategy 15'