Building Excellence in Support and Training

Overview

The Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) program (the Program) forms part of the Government’s commitment to support the role of ex-service organisation (ESO) pension and welfare practitioners and advocates, who provide advice and assistance to the veteran and defence communities. It also links closely to the Advocacy Training and Development Program (ATDP), which provides the essential skills for claims, advocacy and welfare work.The Program is intended to assist the veteran and defence communities by providing support and resources to ESO practitioners for pensions, advocacy and/or welfare work.The Program assists ESOs by providing a contribution to the work of these practitioners. It does not fully fund an organisation.  The objectives of the Program are to assist ESOs to:• improve the quality of claims received by the DVA at the primary determining level• reduce the rate of appeals to the Veterans’ Review Board (VRB) and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and/or• promote the provision of welfare services to the veteran and defence community.