Company Profile

Direct Employment Services Ltd (DES) (incorporating Woomera Kymel Employment Service) is a not-for-profit organisation that provides assistance to people with a disability to gain and retain employment. DES as a Disability Employment Network (DEN) operates under contractual arrangements with the Australian Government Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

DES is:

A not-for-profit Public Benevolence Institution;
A registered Public Company, limited by guarantee and not having capital divided into shares;
Is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors; and
Operates under a Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association which represent the organisation’s constitution.

Mission

Successful Employment Solutions that Recognise and Value Employers and People with a Disability

Vision

That Every Person with a Disability be Accepted, Empowered and have the Opportunity to make a Valued Contribution to Society through Employment

Values

Equality and Equal Opportunity
We value that people with a disability should have the same rights and conditions as everyone else. DES / WK believe that people with a disability have the right to expect a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.
Acceptance and Inclusion
DES / WK believe that participation in paid work allows people to have a valued role in society by reducing stigma through increased economic and social independence.
Empowerment and Personal Choice
We support and respect people’s individual decision making and choices that affect their life and career goals.
Focus on Abilities
DES looks at what people can do, not what they can’t. We focus on their strengths, skills and personal attributes to gain employment.

Professionalism and Integrity
DES Board and staff demonstrate a positive attitude and values base in order to support people with a disability to achieve their goals. Our Board and staff are dedicated to ensuring DES reputation is highly regarded in the community.
Continuous Improvement
DES is committed to providing a quality service. We encourage feedback in order to evaluate and improve our service to all stakeholders. We are committed to upholding the Principles and Objectives of the Disability Services Act.
Co-operative Relationships
DES realise that we do not operate in isolation. Other stakeholders play an integral part in assisting people to achieve their goals. Exchange of knowledge, resources and skills is invaluable to the operation of our business.

Board of Directors

Chair

Mr Stephen Chong M.Ed

Vice Chair

Mr Bob Paten

Secretary

Ms Elizabeth Lewry

Treasurer

Mr Adam Volcov

Board Members

Mr Kevin Dobinson

Mr Roger Millroy

Mr Andrew Hewitt

Ms Kim Alford

Chief Executive Officer

Mr Craig R Blackman MAICD