Member services and programs

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.

Learn more.

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.

Member travel subsidy

The Federation’s travel subsidy program helps offset travel costs for full members attending provincial and regional meetings. The subsidy is designed to make participation more accessible, particularly for smaller, remote and rural organizations. Eligible members can apply using the travel subsidy application.

Insurance and benefits programs

Extended health benefits and RRSP options through FABP

Raising the voice of BC’s associations

Since 1984, the Federation has partnered with SGS & Associates to offer the Federation Association Benefit Plan (FABP), 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 is fully compliant with the Collective Agreement. Today, more than 75 social service agencies across British Columbia participate in FABP, benefiting from the convenience, cost savings and service-driven approach that helps organizations attract members and support their employees without added administrative burdens.

Offering access to a group benefits plan has been a tool for these organizations to raise their voice. We recognize that a benefits plan should feel like a true advantage, not an added complexity.

FABP provides comprehensive, sector-specific coverage designed to support workforce stability, predictable budgeting and consistent service delivery. Coverage is delivered by trusted, A-rated insurers with deep experience in community social services. Whether you are adhering to a Collective Agreement or offering exempt benefits, the FABP develop a tailored program aligned with your organization’s structure and needs. Our plans, compliant with the current CSSEA collective agreement, are tailor-made for this sector, including Health & Wellness, Employee Assistance and a variety of other insurance products.

What FABP offers

FABP’s insurance partners provide a wide range of tailored supports, including:

  • Health and dental coverage
  • Long-term disability Insurance
  • Employee and family assistance programs
  • Group RRSP options
  • Custom plan design for unionized or exempt staff
  • Preferred pricing on prescriptions
  • Expert disability claims management

With Desjardins Insurance providing long-term disability coverage and partnerships with Pacific Blue Cross, the Preferred Pharmacy Network and Acclaim Ability Management, FABP delivers competitive pricing and strong, sector-informed service as a CSSEA-recognized benefit provider.

These strategic partnerships also ensure efficient claims processing and dedicated support, helping reduce internal workload for your team.

Built for stability

We know that stability matters, for employers, employees and the people they serve. FABP is designed to deliver consistent, predictable renewals that make budgeting easier and reduce the risk of unexpected cost increases, while maintaining high-quality coverage aligned with sector needs. This approach supports long-term financial planning and provides peace of mind in an environment where funding and resources must be carefully managed.

Ready to build a benefits plan that works for your organization?

We stand behind the promise of “More benefits than you planned for. ™” For more information about the Federation Association Benefit Plan (FABP), view the brochure here.

If you have questions or would like to explore how FABP can support your organization, please contact us at fabp@schmunkgattsmith.com. Our team is happy to walk you through your options and help design a plan that aligns with your organization’s goals.

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 that offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to 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? Non-member organizations can still access FABP or HUB International coverage through the Benefit Affiliate Program. This option allows more community organizations across B.C. to support their staff with reliable insurance and benefits, while strengthening their operations. It also offers a flexible entry point for organizations seeking scalable benefits solutions as they grow.

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