Our Purpose and Values
Our Purpose
Our Vision
Together we will courageously change lives and reimagine service systems.
For over 140 years, Berry Street has adapted to a changing world, and we will continue to adapt to achieve our Purpose. By 2022, we will have advanced our aspiration: together we will courageously change lives and reimagine service systems. We will listen to, and work alongside children, young people and families and our actions will be informed by their views and needs.
Berry Street will continue to be a strong and independent voice for the children, young people and families with whom we work. In collaboration with others, we will advocate for increased government investment in early intervention and prevention services that enable families to be safe and stay together.
We will use approaches that are culturally safe and informed by the best evidence available. We will measure and learn from the impact of our work, and we will continually contemporise our models of practice. Our purpose-driven approach will foster a culture of positivity and accountability, and we will engage with our people and service users through new digital channels and innovative approaches.
We look forward to working with children, young people, families, carers, staff and partners to achieve this Vision. Together.
In all that we do, we strive to:
Forge strong relationships with our service users and help restore a belief in themselves and their future – because we know that learning to trust again is the essential step in healing
Stick with these children, young people and their families – because we know that they have been let down far too often
Help children and young people recover from the trauma of abuse, neglect or violence – because we know that with support and opportunities, children and young people can reach their full potential
Look beyond challenging behaviour to identify and build on strengths – because we know every person has strengths that, if acknowledged, will provide a platform for healthy development
Include family members and other significant people in planning and caring for children and young people – because we know it is critical to strengthen connections and build positive relationships
Respect people’s culture and spiritual beliefs – because we know how important these can be in developing identity and a sense of self
Involve our service users in planning, decision making and the way we help meet their needs – because we know that taking control of their own lives builds resilience and independence
Acknowledge and promote the human rights of children and young people – because we know that a good childhood is every child’s birthright and that this means a better society for us all.
Our Values
Berry Street’s five values and what they mean to us:
Courage
- To be the best we can be.
- Never give up and maintain hope.
- Believe that change is possible.
- Have the strength to be part of the solution.
- Be prepared to question and challenge ourselves, and others, about the way things are done.
- Advocate for change when the children and families with whom we work are not getting a ‘fair go’.
Integrity
- Expect a personal and organisational commitment to honesty.
- Be true to our word by doing what we say we will do.
- Ensure fair and inclusive decision-making processes.
Respect
- Care about each other.
- Be open to listening to each other’s point of view.
- Acknowledge the importance of each person’s heritage, traditions, identity, needs and aspirations.
- Recognise the contributions, achievements, journeys and stories of those who have gone before us.
- Recognise and celebrate achievements.
Accountability
- Be responsible for our own actions.
- Be prepared and able to explain why we do things.
- Constantly look at how we can improve, both individually and as an organisation.
- Use knowledge and experience of what works.
- Ask people what they think about what we do.
- Ensure that all our resources and assets are used in the best possible way.
- Recognise our responsibilities in our neighbourhoods and communities.
Working Together
- Expect that friendliness, support, humour and care are visible as we go about our work.
- Work with our service users, each other and our colleagues to share knowledge, ideas, resources and skills.
- Provide opportunities for people to get together, to have fun, to learn from and challenge each other to get better results.
- Encourage effective communication processes and enable active participation.