Member services and programs | The Federation of Community Social Services of BC

The Federation’s services and programs inform, inspire, educate and support the people and organizations that care for children, youth, adults and families across British Columbia. From frontline workers to executive leaders, we work alongside community-based social services to strengthen the sector and improve outcomes for the people it serves.

Whether you are seeking resources, connection or opportunities to grow, The Federation is here to help. Our programs are built on a foundation of collaboration, guided by the needs of our members and grounded in more than 40 years of experience. Explore what we offer and discover what is possible when we work together.

Regional Meetings

Hosted by the Regional Directors, Federation Regional Meetings are a place for sharing and learning, with a particular focus on the needs of – and issues raised by – members in a region.

Regional meetings may include guest speakers from the Federation’s network of allies and partners, including government ministries. Federation staff may also attend to share updates on Federation activities and advocacy. After meetings, Regional Directors flag issues of importance to share with The Federation Board and staff team, particularly if there is follow-up or advocacy required.

Check the next regional meeting dates here.

Social Services Sector Roundtable

The Federation is a key partner the Social Services Sector Roundtable, a forum established to bring Ministers and senior executives in government and social services sector representatives together to connect the sector with government, discuss matters of importance within the sector, and address issues in a coordinated and collaborative way. Please visit the provincial government's web page to learn more about the Roundtable and its accomplishments.

Extended health benefits & RRSP options through FABP

A strong and sustainable community social service sector must have access to high-quality and affordable insurance products. As such, Federation member agencies have access to a suite of high-quality, comprehensive insurance programs at a reasonable cost.

Read the brochure here.

General Insurance through HUB International

The Federation recognizes the unique challenges many of our members face, particularly smaller organizations, in accessing high-quality, affordable insurance products that meet their needs.
To assist, the Federation has partnered with HUB International Limited, a comprehensive insurance provider offering a wide range of high-quality and affordable insurance products that meet the diverse needs of our members.

Transformative Reconciliation

Transformative Reconciliation is an intensive learning program for Federation members and community partners who want to deepen their learning and apply reconciliation-based approaches to their organizations and programs. This year-long program encourages participants to engage in transformative reconciliation through collaborative learning, design, and practice. It is ideal for leaders who are keen to create real-world approaches to reconciliation that are founded on decolonizing principles and Indigenous Knowledges in their local context.

Professional Development Training

The Federation is committed to strengthening and supporting our members - and BC’s community services sector more broadly - through professional development, skill-building, knowledge exchange, networking, and leadership development opportunities. To this end, the Federation offers webinars and in person training sessions focused on the specific needs of the community services sector. Topics may include policy, conflict resolution, psychological health and safety, climate emergency preparedness and more.

Voices and vision: leading change in social services

Voices from the sector. Vision for the future.

Voices and vision: leading change in social services is our February annual event in Victoria, B.C. It brings together the community social services sector. With a focus on sharing perspectives and shaping common goals, the gathering highlights the sector’s challenges while creating space for collaboration and leadership. It is a chance to be candid about what is not working and to chart a collective path toward meaningful change.

Stronger together: conference and AGM

The Federation’s annual gathering in Kelowna, B.C., is held each June. The event brings members together to discuss the state of community social services and reflect on The Federation’s role in an ever-evolving sector landscape. It is also where The Federation holds its annual general meeting.

Insurance and benefits programs

Protecting the people who care for our communities

The Federation is committed to ensuring the community social services sector feels secure and protected. That is why we offer our member agencies access to a suite of insurance and benefits programs. These programs provide high-quality, comprehensive and reliable coverage at a reasonable cost, delivered by providers who understand the unique needs of your agency and employees.

When Federation members and sector partners choose to purchase benefit programs through our trusted providers — the Federation Association Benefit Plan (FABP) for Health, Dental, Disability and RRSP coverage, or HUB International for General Insurance — they are doing more than protecting their staff and operations. They are helping to sustain The Federation’s financial health and, in turn, strengthening our collective voice to advocate for BC’s social care sector. Your participation helps all of us.

Not a member of The Federation? No problem, you are still welcome to access our insurance products. Scroll down to learn more about our Benefit Affiliate Program or get in touch with us directly.

Extended health benefits and RRSP options through FABP

Since 1984, The Federation has partnered with Schmunk Gatt Smith & Associates to offer the Federation Association Benefit Plan, a plan built by the sector, for the sector. FABP is one of only three benefits plans approved for use under the BC Community Services Collective Agreement, and it is open to organizations of all sizes, unionized or not, even those with as few as three staff members.

FABP’s trusted, “A-rated” insurance providers offer a wide range of tailored supports, including:

Health and dental coverage

Disability insurance

Employee and family assistance programs

Group RRSP options

Custom plans for union or exempt staff

Preferred pricing on prescriptions

Expert disability claims management

We know that stability matters. FABP is designed to deliver consistent, predictable renewals that make budgeting easier and reduce unexpected cost increases. With Desjardins Insurance now providing long-term disability coverage, and partnerships with the Preferred Pharmacy Network, Pacific Blue Cross, and Acclaim Ability Management, participating organizations benefit from lower costs and stronger service.

Download the FABP Brochure (PDF)
Have questions? Contact the FABP team at fabp@schmunkgattsmith.com

General insurance through HUB International

We recognize that many Federation members already have insurance relationships in place. But we also understand the challenges, especially for smaller agencies, of finding high-quality, affordable coverage that meets your needs.

That is why we have partnered with HUB International, a leading insurance brokerage offering a comprehensive suite of services specifically tailored for BC’s community social services sector.

Visit HUB International’s website to learn more or connect directly with their Community Social Services Specialist.

Benefit Affiliate Program

Not yet a Federation member? You can still access our insurance products through the Benefit Affiliate Program. This option allows non-member agencies to purchase FABP or HUB coverage, ensuring more organizations across BC can support their staff and strengthen their operations.

To learn more, contact The Federation office at info@fcssbc.ca.