The SILosophy’s Podcast

SILosophy
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🎙️ Stay Inspired and Informed Year-Round! Why wait to grow your knowledge? Subscribe to SILosophy, the ultimate podcast for SIL providers, and unlock ongoing learning with practical tips from industry experts. 💡 What You’ll Learn: - How to find participants for your SIL homes. - Expert advice on setting up and managing SIL homes. - Navigating compliance requirements with confidence. - Real-world stories from SIL providers and consultants. 🎯 Learn From the Best: Join top NDIS leaders and successful SIL providers as they share actionable insights and inspiring journeys. 📚 Listen Anytime, Anywhere: Make learning work for your schedule with our flexible, on-demand episodes.

  1. 3d ago

    SILosophy - Episode 34: Why good SIL matching is good business

    Why Good SIL Matching Is Good Business with Cherryl Joseph When running a Supported Independent Living (SIL) business, the financial pressure to quickly fill vacant rooms can be immense. However, rushing a placement simply to recover costs often leads to placement breakdowns, unhappy co-tenants, staff turnover, and severe financial losses. How can providers shift from transactional room-filling to genuine, person-centred matching that stands the test of time? In this episode of SILosophy, host Tania Gomez is joined by Cherryl Joseph, founder of MySolas, business coach, and 20-year veteran across child protection and disability accommodation. Cherryl unpacks why getting the matching process right from day one is non-negotiable for long-term viability, and why knowing when to say no is one of the strongest business decisions a provider can make. Cherryl and Tania explore the shift away from rigid funding ratios toward person-centred support designs, the hybrid balance between digital platforms and human discovery conversations, and practical strategies for small-to-medium providers facing sector reforms and increasing margin pressures. Key Content Covered In This Episode: The True Cost of a Bad Match: Why rushing to fill a vacancy can result in losing multiple housemates, driving up incident reports, increasing WorkCover claims, and burning out support workers. The Power of Saying No: Why pushing back on premature move-in dates and rejecting incompatible referrals protects your participants and your bottom line. Beyond the Algorithm: How MySolas combines digital profiles with deep discovery conversations, home visits, and stakeholder meet-and-greets to assess true compatibility. The Transition Away from Ratios: What the removal of standard 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 ratios means for designing flexible, sustainable supports around a participant's actual goals rather than arbitrary boxes. Strategic Business Planning for SIL Providers: Overcoming the trap of working exclusively in the business, managing SCHADS award increases, and setting realistic 6 to 12-month goals. Diversification and Resilience: Exploring non-NDIS revenue streams, matching business models to personal life stages, and defining success beyond top-line revenue. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to SILosophy and Introducing Cherryl Joseph (MySolas) 01:20 – Cherryl's 20-Year Background Across Child Safety and Disability 03:30 – What Is MySolas and How the Ecosystem Supports Providers 05:15 – Why Matching Is One of the Most Critical Elements in SIL Placements 07:40 – The Financial Risks of Rushing Vacancies and Missing Due Diligence 10:45 – The Shift Away from Ratios: Opportunities for True Person-Centred Support 13:30 – Preventing a Return to Block Funding Models Through Stakeholder Collaboration 16:00 – The MySolas Match Process: Combining Digital Data with the Human Touch 19:15 – Strategic Advice for SIL Providers: Managing Tight Margins and SCHADS Increases 22:30 – Stepping Off the Treadmill: Working on Your Business Instead of in It 25:40 – Matching Business Goals to Your Personal Stage of Life 28:50 – The Future for Small Providers: Consolidation, Resilience, and Skill Building 32:15 – Wrap Up and How to Connect with Cherryl Joseph Resources and Links Mentioned: Connect with Cherryl Joseph: Email: cherryl@mysolas.com.au | Find Cherryl Joseph on LinkedIn Explore MySolas: mysolas.com.au

  2. Oct 21

    SILosophy - Episode 33: Inside look into SIL reform

    Navigating NDIS Reform, I-CAN Assessments, and SIL Commissioning with Shane Stewart As the NDIS undergoes significant legislative reform, Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers face a rapidly evolving landscape. From the upcoming rollout of standardized I-CAN assessments to the potential introduction of block-funding commissioning models, frontline operators must adapt their business strategies to ensure long-term sustainability. In this episode of SILosophy, host Tania Gomez is joined by Shane Stewart, SIL Partner at Resolv. Drawing from nearly a decade of experience at the NDIA—including five years directly managing Home and Living policy during major royal commission and review responses—Shane offers unique, behind-the-scenes insights into how government decisions shape operational realities. Shane and Tania break down the shift toward participant-led I-CAN assessments, why relying on plan increases is a dangerous business strategy, the reality of ratios in SIL, and what to expect as the market contracts over the next decade. Key Content Covered In This Episode: Demystifying the I-CAN Assessment: Understanding the standardized assessment model being developed with Melbourne University to replace long, disjointed medical reports. The Death of the "Plan Increase" Strategy: Why providers must stop onboarding participants at a loss in the hope of securing higher funding allocations later. SIL Commissioning Insights: What the government consultation on block funding means for market representation, choice and control, and smaller providers. The Reality of SIL Ratios: Why legislative ratios do not technically exist in NDIS pricing, and how providers must align rosters of care to actual plan budgets. The 10-Year Scheme Outlook: Preparing for a smaller, more targeted NDIS, including participant transition targets and the shrinking of intermediary markets. Compliance, Integrity, and Viability: Why robust documentation, address matching, and participant-led governance are critical for surviving upcoming audits. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to SILosophy and Introducing Shane Stewart (Resolv) 01:15 – Shane's NDIA Background and Resolv's Role in Home and Living 02:40 – What Is the I-CAN Assessment and When Will It Roll Out? 05:15 – Economic Reform vs. Social Policy: Why NDIS Decision-Making Is Shifting 07:00 – Why Relying on Plan Increases Is a Dangerous Business Model 10:30 – Exploring SIL Commissioning: Pilots, Market Size, and Geographical Constraints 14:40 – Profit Margins in SIL and Financial Literacy for Providers 16:20 – The Truth About Ratios and the Roster of Care Tool 19:15 – Compliance Checks: How the NDIA Monitors Claims and Addresses 21:30 – Future Outlook: What the NDIS Will Look Like in 3 to 5 Years 24:00 – Mandatory Registration and Risk-Based Frameworks 26:15 – Essential Compliance and Integrity Advice for SIL Operators 28:30 – Wrap Up and How to Connect with Shane Stewart Resources and Links Mentioned: Connect with Shane Stewart: Email: shane@resolve.com.au Learn More About Resolv: resolv.com.au

  3. Oct 14

    SILosophy - Episode 32: Building Strong Systems and Strong People in SIL

    Systems Literacy, Operational Efficiency, and Financial Visibility with Valentina Coin When an NDIS business faces operational friction, cash flow bottlenecks, or staff duplication, the default reaction is often to blame the software or the people. However, technology is simply the visible layer that reveals underlying flaws in an organisation's operational system. In this episode of SILosophy, host Tania Gomez is joined by Valentina Coin, founder of Via Technology and System Station. Valentina works with NDIS leaders to build systems literacy, helping organisations diagnose, prioritise, and optimize their operations to drive long-term sustainability. Valentina and Tania discuss the true definition of an operational system, the three layers of business diagnostics, how to eliminate key-person dependency, and how creating financial visibility can unlock tens of thousands of dollars in hidden billable claims. Key Content Covered In This Episode: Defining the Operational System: Looking beyond technology to understand the triad of people, processes, and tools working together. The Three Layers of Diagnostics: Analyzing the visible surface layer, the operational structures underneath, and the core leadership beliefs driving business habits. Tackling Labor Expenses: Uncovering invisible time wastes, such as double entry, approval delays, and unaligned management styles. Unlocking Financial Visibility: How tracking non-billable activities can expose revenue leakage and support stronger funding requests. Reducing Key-Person Dependency: Moving away from passive SOP folders by embedding decision-making logic directly into software and transferring true outcome ownership. Curating Your Tech Stack: Avoiding shiny object syndrome by identifying your single biggest constraint before committing to new software solutions. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to SILosophy and Introducing Valentina Coin 01:15 – Operational Systems vs. Technology: What Is the Difference? 03:20 – The Three Diagnostic Layers: Surface, Structure, and Leadership Beliefs 05:40 – Why Labor Is Your Biggest Expense: Uncovering Invisible Waste 09:10 – Driving Financial Visibility: Turning Non-Billable Hours into Claims 12:30 – Eliminating Silos Between Client Intake and Finance Teams 15:00 – Reducing Key-Person Risk: Knowledge Transfer and Outcome Ownership 18:30 – Developing Systems Literacy: Focusing on Your Biggest Constraint 21:15 – Software Hopping vs. Strategic Tech Procurement 25:00 – Practical Leadership Habits: Sprints, Pushbacks, and Open Check-ins 27:30 – Wrap Up and How to Connect with Valentina Coin Resources and Links Mentioned: Connect with Valentina Coin: Find Valentina Coin on LinkedIn Learn More About Via Technology: viatechnology.com.au

  4. Oct 7

    SILosophy - Episode 31: Governance Principles For SIL Providers

    Quality Governance, Risk Control, and the Swiss Cheese Model with Amber Crosthwaite What does governance actually mean for small and medium-sized Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers? For many frontline leaders, governance sounds like a corporate buzzword meant only for large organisations with formal boards. However, when things go wrong in disability care, having robust operational oversight is the only thing standing between participant safety and tragic outcomes. In this episode of SILosophy, host Tania Gomez is joined by Amber Crosthwaite, a partner at Lavan specializing in NDIS law, aged care, and seniors living. Drawing from her experience handling complex compliance cases, critical incident investigations, and enforcement actions, Amber breaks down why governance is not just a stack of policies, but a practical framework for risk management. Amber and Tania discuss the newly introduced Module 5A SIL practice standards, the shift toward mandatory worker competency assessments, and how the Swiss Cheese Model explains how minor administrative missteps can line up to cause catastrophic failures. Key Content Covered In This Episode: Demystifying Governance: Re-framing governance from corporate jargon into a practical question: What do you have in place to know your participants are safe? The Floor vs. The Ceiling: Why regulatory compliance is the bare minimum standard, not the ultimate goal of quality care. Module 5A SIL Practice Standards: Understanding the new expectations around practice governance, worker development, and trauma-informed support in closed SIL environments. Training vs. Competency: Why tick-and-flick online training fails and how assessing real-world worker competency protects participants in complex care settings. The Swiss Cheese Model of Risk: How individual, seemingly minor errors (missed handovers, unassessed bathroom locks, staff miscommunication) line up to create critical incidents. Data Triangulation for Providers: Moving beyond raw numbers and interrogating data trends across complaints, incident reports, and participant feedback. Practical Steps for Small Providers: How to get off the daily operational dance floor, analyze high-risk areas sequentially, and scale governance proportionally. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to SILosophy and Introducing Amber Crosthwaite (Lavan) 01:10 – Why Governance Matters: Learning from Critical Incidents and Enforcement Actions 03:00 – What Governance Means for Small and Medium SIL Providers 05:15 – Compliance as the Floor: Safeguarding Beyond Minimum Standards 07:00 – Module 5A SIL Standards and Practice Governance Expectations 09:10 – Moving from Online Training to Real-World Competency Assessments 11:30 – Explaining James Reason's Swiss Cheese Model of Systemic Failure 15:00 – Getting Off the Dance Floor: Taking a Step Back from Daily Reactivity 17:45 – Practical Tips for Building a Proportionate Governance Framework 21:00 – Triangulating Data: Interrogating Incidents, Falls, and Feedback 23:15 – Wrap Up and How to Connect with Amber Crosthwaite Resources and Links Mentioned: Connect with Amber Crosthwaite: lavan.com.au | Email: amber.crosthwaite@lavan.com.au #NDIS #SupportedIndependentLiving #SILosophy #NDISCompliance #NDISGovernance #QualityAndSafeguards #DisabilitySupport #Lavan #ProfitableNDISProvider

  5. Sep 30

    SILosophy - Episode 30: SIL reform from a participants perspective

    Lived Experience, NDIS Reform, and the Frontline Worker Perspective with Ryan Simon As major legislative changes roll out across the disability sector, how are participants and frontline support workers navigating the shift? With funding adjustments, plan reassessments, and media coverage surrounding NDIS reform, understanding the human impact on the ground is more critical than ever for providers. In this episode of SILosophy, host Tania Gomez is joined by Ryan Simon from Paylos. Ryan brings a unique dual perspective to the conversation, having lived in residential care and Supported Independent Living (SIL) as a participant, while now working on the frontline as a support worker and media specialist. Ryan and Tania discuss the realities of plan cuts, the anxiety surrounding rapid policy changes, the importance of genuine trauma-informed care, and why support work must be viewed as a skilled, passion-driven career rather than just an entry-level job. Key Content Covered In This Episode: The Participant Perspective: Navigating plan cuts, quarterly reviews, and the fear of sudden funding reductions without clear communication. Building Independence: How participants can focus on core life skills, such as cooking and self-advocacy, to prepare for potential funding changes. Frontline Worker Realities: Balancing client support while managing the uncertainty of sector-wide budget restrictions. Communication Gaps: Why participants and families often feel blindsided by news updates and policy shifts, and how provider admin teams can bridge the gap. Reframing Support Work as a Career: Moving past the perception of support work as simple social outings and highlighting the need for trauma-informed training and complex care skills. Future Outlook: Looking ahead at NDIS reforms, alternative community funding pathways, and Ryan's goals for ongoing youth mentorship. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to SILosophy and Introducing Ryan Simon 00:45 – Dual Perspectives: Living in SIL and Working in the NDIS 01:40 – The Impact of Media Noise and Sudden Plan Cuts on Participants 03:20 – Communication Issues: How Changes Are Delivered to Participants 04:30 – Preparing for Policy Shifts and Building Independent Life Skills 06:40 – The Worker Perspective: Supporting Young People Through System Changes 08:00 – Is Support Work a Career? Passion, Training, and Complex Care 10:15 – Long-Term Predictions for NDIS Reform and Third-Party Grants 11:30 – Personal Mentorship Goals and Media Aspirations 12:50 – Wrap Up and How to Connect with Ryan Simon Resources and Links Mentioned: Connect with Ryan Simon: Find Ryan Simon on LinkedIn Learn More About Paylos: paylos.org

  6. Sep 23

    SILosophy-Episode 29: Respite and Funding Changes

    Respite Reform and Unbundling NDIS Pricing with Luke Wilson Recent updates to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements have brought major structural changes to Short Term Accommodation (STA) and respite, including an average funding reduction of $500 to $600 per participant per day and the strict unbundling of accommodation from support hours. What do these changes mean for high-quality, community-based respite providers, and how can organisations adapt while maintaining therapeutic value? In this episode of SILosophy, host Tania Gomez sits down with Luke Wilson, Managing Director of Paylos. Operating out of rural Victoria, Paylos delivers unique, non-traditional respite experiences focused on outdoor engagement, fishing, and four-wheel driving for participants who often avoid mainstream disability services. Luke unpacks the operational realities of unbundling, the public perception driving regulatory crackdowns, and why intentional, early-intervention respite ultimately saves taxpayers money across health, child protection, and justice systems. Key Content Covered In This Episode: De-constructing Unbundling: The shift from 24-hour block-funded day rates to itemised support hours, travel, and accommodation costs. Why the Price Guide Changed: How public scrutiny over high-cost holidays and non-compliant providers led to strict transparency requirements. The Food Funding Dilemma: The operational challenges of managing out-of-pocket meal costs for participants from low socio-economic or child protection backgrounds. Building Sustainable Service Models: How investing in reusable, low-cost equipment (fishing gear, camping equipment, vehicles) helps providers absorb pricing shocks. Capacity Building and Scheme Exit: Transitioning participants from 1:1 ratios to group settings, fostering independence, and supporting vocational outcomes. The True Cost of Kicking the Can Down the Road: Why cutting community access and respite budgets risks shifting financial costs onto emergency services, mental health systems, and corrections. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to SILosophy and Introducing Luke Wilson (Paylos) 01:10 – The Paylos Model: De-stigmatising Services Through Outdoor Engagement 03:15 – What Does "Unbundling" Mean in NDIS Respite? 05:40 – Public Perception, Misused Funds, and the Push for Transparency 09:00 – Delivering High-Impact Respite on Low-Cost Infrastructure 12:20 – The Impact of Meal Funding Rules on Communal Living 16:40 – Respite as Early Intervention: Preventing Placement Breakdown and Systemic Failure 21:00 – Balancing Budgetary Boundaries with Sector Needs 24:30 – Designing Services for Participant Independence and Scheme Exit 28:15 – Why Community Access and Respite Are Essential to Sector Reform 31:00 – Wrap Up and How to Connect with Luke Wilson Resources and Links Mentioned: Connect with Luke Wilson and Paylos: paylos.org #NDIS #RespiteCare #ShortTermAccommodation #SILosophy #NDISReform #NDISCompliance #DisabilitySupport #Paylos #ProfitableNDISProvider

  7. Sep 16

    SILosophy Episode 28: Leading a SIL workforce through new standards

    Leading the Frontline: Training, Competencies, and NDIS Quality Standards with Dave Wells As the NDIS rolls out updated Quality and Safeguards standards, Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers are facing stricter requirements around worker training, competency testing, active support, and tailored supervision. How do frontline leaders manage this extra administrative workload while securing genuine buy-in from support staff? In this practical episode of SILosophy, host Tania Gomez is joined by Dave Wells, General Manager at Coastwide Community Care and co-author of Future-Proofing Your SIL Business. Drawing from eight years of hands-on experience—starting as a support worker and progressing into executive management—Dave shares a refreshingly direct, operator's perspective on why the new standards are a necessary win for participant safety and quality care. Dave and Tania break down how to move away from rigid, "aged-care style" routines in SIL environments, how to handle worker compliance with non-negotiable boundaries, and why adult learning principles are key to reducing staff turnover and eliminating "aha" moments on shift.

  8. Sep 9

    SILosophy - Episode 27: Data and Demain in SIL

    De-Risking Disability Housing: SIL Demand, SDA Mismatches, and Data Insights with Hong Knowling When investing in or scaling disability housing, how do providers and developers ensure they are building or leasing in areas of genuine demand—rather than falling into oversupplied traps? In this eye-opening episode of SILosophy, host Tania Gomez is joined by Hong Knowling, founder and director of PPC Urban (Planning Property Consultants). Hong specializes in social infrastructure, town planning, and data analytics, helping investors, developers, and service providers navigate the complex planning permissions, zoning laws, and demand data across Australia. Hong and Tania break down the common pitfalls in Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) acquisitions—from $3M property mistakes and biodiversity zoning traps to interpreting NDIS data sets. They also discuss why national data often hides local demand mismatches, the rise of clustered housing models, and how to properly de-risk disability housing investments under NDIS reform. Key Content Covered In This Episode: The Hidden Risks in Property Acquisition: Real-world examples of costly town planning, zoning, and environmental study traps (including $80k cultural heritage reports and biodiversity restrictions). De-coding NDIS Data: Understanding the 3-to-4-week lag in NDIA data, why headline numbers miss hidden demand, and how to interpret pipeline figures accurately. The SDA Supply-Demand Mismatch: Why regional areas with cheap land suffer from oversupply while high-demand metropolitan areas remain underserved. SIL vs. SDA Market Dynamics: Addressing the 7,000+ SIL providers operating in Australia, the shift toward mandatory registration, and why residential head-leases require proper due diligence. Clustered Housing Models: How the sector is shifting toward smaller, clustered homes to optimize SIL staffing efficiency without compromising participant independence. Comparing Disability Housing to Childcare Assets: Capital requirements, pre-leasing structures, planning approvals, and risk profiles across government-regulated sectors. Practical Steps to De-Risk Investments: Why independent feasibility studies, local participant clustering, and correct insurance policies are essential for long-term sustainability. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to SILosophy & Introducing Hong Knowling (PPC Urban) 01:30 – What PPC Urban Does: Mapping Gaps & De-Risking Investments 03:00 – Millions Lost: Common Town Planning & Zoning Disasters 06:20 – Is NDIS Data Outdated? Understanding Delays, Limitations, and Certification Triggers 09:15 – Misinterpreting Pipeline Numbers: Legacy Homes vs. Modern SDA 12:00 – Are There Too Many SIL Providers? Unpacking the 7,000 Provider Landscape 15:10 – The Shift Toward Clustered Housing and Operational Efficiency 18:30 – Robust Housing Mismatches: The Danger of Poor Advice 22:00 – Participant Onboarding & Avoiding Single-Tenancy Losses 24:45 – Comparing SDA/SIL to Childcare Assets & Town Planning Pathways 29:10 – Why SIL Housing Needs Better Environmental & Safety Benchmarks 32:00 – Co-Living Insurance Pitfalls for SIL Head-Leases 34:30 – Wrap Up & How to Access PPC Urban's Free Data Platform

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About

🎙️ Stay Inspired and Informed Year-Round! Why wait to grow your knowledge? Subscribe to SILosophy, the ultimate podcast for SIL providers, and unlock ongoing learning with practical tips from industry experts. 💡 What You’ll Learn: - How to find participants for your SIL homes. - Expert advice on setting up and managing SIL homes. - Navigating compliance requirements with confidence. - Real-world stories from SIL providers and consultants. 🎯 Learn From the Best: Join top NDIS leaders and successful SIL providers as they share actionable insights and inspiring journeys. 📚 Listen Anytime, Anywhere: Make learning work for your schedule with our flexible, on-demand episodes.

Information

  • Creator
    SILosophy
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The SILosophy’s Podcast

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