RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN

Transcription

1 RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN JULY - JULY 2019

2 July - July 2019 CEO VISION STATEMENT As a founding member of Ethan Group, I recall how hard it was to start a business from the ground up without being given an opportunity ; be it from customers, suppliers, bankers or even new employees. With this in mind, we had a vision to enhance people s lives and overcome barriers to enable the pursuit of personal success and stand for equal opportunity. Now that we have had great success as Australia s largest privately owned Information Communication and Technology service provider, it is our time to give back via the opportunities we can create for the Traditional Owners of our land who have afforded us the opportunity to leverage this great country. After being introduced to the Reconciliation Action Plan, it is my vision that Ethan Group will use this framework to implement actions that improve the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through our practical actions around education, employment opportunities, mentoring, and community involvement for the local and wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with which we interface. We value diversity and it is our desire to especially understand and demonstrate respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. We acknowledge that reconciliation is a long term commitment, and that we are working in an environment that requires the redress of past social injustice and inequities. We acknowledge that this commitment is to work side by side with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and community leaders and those in our sphere of influence. The Ethan leadership team will drive this vision and our aim is that each and every employee contributes to the success of the Ethan Group Reconciliation Action Plan. If we can broaden the base by being leaders in the community with this plan, we hope that our suppliers, customers, employees and their families are inspired to look at ways that they too can help to progress reconciliation in our business and in the wider community. David Liddiard, our partner on this journey, mentioned something to me once, which sticks in my mind; he said, With the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community being a single digit percentage of our population, with a REAL conscious effort, we can change the lives of this community very quickly if we all make a commitment to change. We believe that change is a matter of WHEN, not IF and defining success for us will be when we look back and see that Australia no longer needs a Reconciliation Action Plan as the goals set out in the plan have been achieved. Paul Kawtal CEO, ETHAN GROUP page 01 / Ethan Group Reconciliation Action Plan for FY /19

3 Art work by Ronnie Jordan The Journey of Reconcilliation BY RONNIE JORDAN The painting captures the journey of Reconciliation that the Ethan Group is taking towards cultural safety. In the far right corner the Ethan Group of today is represented. As we move throughout the painting from right to left the learning of culture is intertwined with traditional practices such as weaving and working with community on Darug country. This demonstrates our achievement as a culturally safe work place for all members of our community depicted by the gathering in the top left hand corner. Members of our community are represented in both white and black symbols signifying unity and collegiality at Ethan Group. Ronnie Jordan EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT, CULTURE ON THE MOVE Ronnie Jordan EDUCATIONAL CONSULANT

4 July - July 2019 OUR BUSINESS Founded in 2002, Ethan Group is an Australian owned information technology and communication service provider that offers system integration, hardware procurement, business systems architecture, telecommunications and information communication technology (ICT) consulting services. For over 15 years, Ethan Group s core mission has been to partner and innovate with our customers in the delivery of IT products and services that add value and enable our customers, employees and business partners to achieve more. Born from a small group of likeminded IT professionals determined to change an industry that favoured large corporates, our maverick team s commitment to this change has resulted in Ethan Group bringing to market business critical IT capability, including telecommunications, infrastructure, networks, managed services, procurement and professional services and consulting solutions that meet the needs of a broader range of consumers, including Government, enterprise and not-for-profits enabling them to more effectively compete in their fields. Our major partners include both suppliers of telecommunications and large organisations to whom we supply hardware and contracted services. Today, we are the largest privately owned ICT managed services provider in Australia. We employ around 220 people and have offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, Melbourne and north Sydney. We are not certain of the number of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees amongst our staff and will work to determine this within the duration of this RAP. Our core values include Integrity, Service Excellence, Contributing to community, Protecting the environment and supporting Entrepreneurship. At the crux of our ethos is the belief that achievement starts with empowerment and that there can be no empowerment without a level playing field. As a multi-cultural organisation, we believe in the inclusion of all Australians. This is reflected in one of our corporate social responsibility commitments as the main sponsor of the annual Ethnic Business Awards. OUR RAP We have become aware of the need to implement actions across our organisation to ensure the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Nations peoples within our business and have developed a RAP to provide the organisational framework for that to happen. We believe that achieving reconciliation involves everyone being part of the journey and having a shared commitment and understanding and the RAP will achieve this for us in Ethan Group. This includes every individual within our organisation. Currently, we at Ethan Group are working toward driving our organisations contribution to reconciliation both internally and throughout the community in which we operate. We are proud to announce the excitement of our Ethan community around having started our reconciliation journey. We are ultimately aiming to promote cultural awareness that develops recognition and respect for this country s Traditional Owners, whilst developing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within our organisation. We believe that our RAP will provide the authentic and appropriate activities that will result in building strong relationships that drive meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and helps us as an organisation to make a genuine contribution to national reconciliation. As our journey is underway, we are looking forward to achieving our RAP outcomes and targets. The RAP aligns with our values and actions in other areas of our business, and we believe that our strong commitment to diversity must include a special focus on Australias First Peoples. Ethan Group s reconciliation journey is building on the foundation of a number of smaller initiatives that individuals have been involved in over time that have created relationships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community groups and businesses. We began the RAP process by connecting with the David Liddiard Group to assist us on our journey and are currently forming links with organisations that have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderfocused programs such as Culture on the Move, AIME, Clontarf and World Vision. page 03 / Ethan Group Reconciliation Action Plan for FY /19

5 July - July 2019 OUR RAP We have identified a need for more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be engaged with and working in the IT industry, as they are vastly underrepresented in higher education courses and in employment roles. One of our key actions will be to provide pathways to further study and employment in technology fields through our business and where possible, to influence others in this industry area to do the same by sharing our vision of creating more IT jobs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Information and Technology is integral to our country s future and the jobs of the future. Ethan has already spent resources in exploring a practical approach to engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school leavers in IT areas through workplace observation and work experience opportunities. Through our RAP journey thus far, the learning process has already revealed ways in which we at Ethan Group can address some of the practical issues that impact on this vision being achieved. Our major partners include both suppliers of telecommunications and large organisations to whom we supply hardware and contracted services. We have a wide sphere of influence amongst our clients and suppliers, and will look to impact on them through our RAP. Currently, Michael Lennox is the Team Leader of the RAP Working Group who will be in charge of achieving deliverables and coordinating the group. Michael is an Account Manager who has experience running Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander welfare programs in schools in the Greater Western Sydney area and comes from a teaching background initially. He will be overseeing the RAP activity as a whole and ensuring that deliverables are met. Michael is the Ethan Group RAP Champion, backed by the full and enthusiastic support of Paul Kawtal, the CEO. Michael Lennox will oversee the RAP activity and support Ethan Group personnel to execute the plan at a corporate level. Initiatives will be guided by feedback from our ongoing relationship with the David Liddiard Group. OUR RAP WORKING GROUP (RWG) Andrea Harms Chair Person Michael Lennox - Team Leader Stephanie Watt - Analytics Chris Jones Event Assistant Tom Morgan Ethan Talent Priscilla Saouma Events Assistant Nick Stranks Senior Adviser Vantien Ngyuen Event Assistant Guy Lawton - Legal Counsel Lisa Thorburn - Government Support and Communications Anita Williams Business Advisor Luke Stephenson - Business representative Alex Thompson - Procurement and Canberra Representative We are in the process of reaching out to several local NSW based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals to invite them to be part of our RAP Working Group for the first Reflect RAP. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FROM ETHAN GROUP SENIOR MANAGEMENT Paul Kawtal, Eunice Hebner, Michael Cole, Dharshani Goonetilleke, Michael Lopes.

6 July - July 2019 OUR PARTNERSHIPS & CURRENT ACTIVITIES Our organisation is in the early stages of its RAP journey, so we are still in the process of learning much about appropriate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community engagement and activities, as well as collecting information from our staff about their professional and personal experiences and level of cultural understanding. While we know that some of our personnel have attended and participated in celebrations and cultural experiences, we are aware that this needs to be an area of focus for our RAP journey over the next year. Our current partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and individuals is currently growing and further connections are being created through the personal relationships of some individuals within Ethan Group. We have engaged with Wesfarmers in relation to the development of their RAP as we have a strong relationship through one of our senior staff and we have also reviewed a number of RAPs from similar sized organisations as a prelude to developing our own. We have also begun to circulate information internally about NRW and NAIDOC Week to provide a context for our RAP development and have started planning our own NAIDOC Week event in our Sydney office. Our continued support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the sponsoring of targeted activity undertaken by Father Chris Riley s Youth Off the Streets, the Wesley Mission outreach and the Touched by Olivia Foundation are in action and has increased support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. Our most significant step has been to create a relationship with David Liddiard of the David Liddiard Group (DLG), through whom we plan to create strong partnerships and relationships with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses and community organisations. The David Liddiard Group is Aboriginal owned and Supply Nation certified and has over twenty years of experience in transitioning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth into employment, as well as supporting the development and implementation of strategies with corporate partners to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment and procurement. DLG has facilitated RAPs with forty organisations over the past ten years. Some organisations we are currently in contact with to provide input into our RAP initiatives are World Vision, AIME, Clontarf, Ochre and Culture on the Move. page 05 / Ethan Group Reconciliation Action Plan for FY /19

7 July - July 2019 Relationships 1. RAP Working Group (RWG) actively monitors RAP development and implementation of actions, tracking progress and reporting Ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are represented on the RW RWG oversees the development, endorsement and launch of the RAP Meet quarterly to monitor and advise on the progress of RAP actions. August July August \ October, February, May 2019 & Events assistants & Events assistants 2. Build internal and external relationships Develop a list of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations within our local North Sydney area that we could approach to connect with on our reconciliation journey. Develop a list of RAP organisations and other like-minded organisations that we could approach to connect with on our reconciliation journey. October 3. Participate in and celebrate National Reconciliation Week (NRW) Promote local NRW events via our internal communications and encourage our staff to attend Share brief articles and images from those who attended NRW events on the intranet. June 2019 Communications Officer Communications Officer Offer sponsorship for proposed NRW activities to two sporting clubs that have high numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in their teams. March 2019 Business Advisor Circulate Reconciliation Australia s NRW resources and reconciliation materials to our staff. Communications Officer Ensure our RAP Working Group participates in an external event to recognise and celebrate NRW. Events Coordinator

8 4. Raise internal and external awareness of our RAP Develop and implement a plan to engage and inform key internal stakeholders of their responsibilities within our RAP. Develop and implement a process for regular information dissemination about the RAP activities through intranet notices and regular (quarterly) updates. RWG Chair Raise external awareness of our RAP through inviting our clients, agency partners and suppliers to our RAP launch and to RAP activities at our office locations. Encourage clients and suppliers to develop a RAP by promoting it and our vision for reconciliation March 2019 March 2019 CEO CEO Respect Develop a business case for increasing awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and achievements within our organisation. Legal Counsel 5. Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural learning and development Capture data and measure the current level of knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and achievements amongst our staff. Conduct a review of cultural awareness training needs within our organisation and make recommendations. October Investigate potential cultural immersion programs and resources for possible use by staff in a whole organisation cultural awareness plan and make recommendations to senior management. December RWG Team Leader 6. Participate in and celebrate NAIDOC Week Raise awareness and share information amongst our staff of the meaning of NAIDOC Week which includes information about the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. July Communications Officer Introduce our staff to NAIDOC Week by promoting community events in our local area. July Communications Officer Ensure our RAP Working Group participates in an external NAIDOC Week event. July Events Coordinator page 07 / Ethan Group Reconciliation Action Plan for FY /19

9 Respect 7. Raise internal understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols Explore who the Traditional Owners are of the lands and waters in the local area of each office nationally Scope and develop a list of local Traditional Owners of the lands and waters within our organisation s sphere of influence October October Operations Manager Operations Manager Hang a locally designed plaque appropriate to each location acknowledging the Traditional Owners. November Operations Manager In consultation with Traditional Owners, investigate renaming meeting rooms in our Sydney Office in the local Aboriginal language August Develop and implement a plan to raise awareness and understanding of the meaning and significance behind Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country protocols (including any local cultural protocols) for all the staff across Ethan Group. October 8. Increase awareness of and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dates of significance. Disseminate information on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dates of significance through the intranet. Add Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dates of significance to internal calendars Events Assistants Promote local community events recognising these dates of significance to staff Events Assistants Opportunities Develop a Business case for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment within our organisation & Ethan Talent 9. Investigate opportunities to improve and increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment outcomes within our workplace Seek advice from experienced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment and employment businesses and our RWG members to inform the development of our employment strategy Explore the potential of advertising vacancies in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media (For example, Koori Mail). Plan and hold information sessions in a presentation, morning tea and tour format for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, family and youth in at least one of our office locations to inspire youth into IT career pathways. February 2019 November December & Ethan Talent Ethan Talent and Events Assistants Identify current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to inform future employment and development opportunities December HR Manager

10 July - July 2019 Opportunities 10. Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Supplier diversity Develop a business case for procurement from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses Develop an understanding of the mutual benefits of procurement from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses November Business Manager Business Manager Research and identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses that may have the potential to be preferred suppliers. November Business Representative & Senior Adviser Engage in a commercial relationship with an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander owned business. Procurement Team Leader Investigate Supply Nation membership October Business Manager Governance and Tracking Progress 11. Build support for the RAP Define resource needs for RAP development and implementation. Define systems and capability needs to track, measure and report on RAP activities. August Complete the annual RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire and submit to Reconciliation Australia Review and Refresh RAP Liaise with Reconciliation Australia to develop a new RAP based on learnings, challenges and achievements. March 2019 RWG Chair Submit draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for review April 2019 RWG Chair Submit draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for formal endorsement. June 2019 CEO Contact Details Name: Michael Lennox Phone: Position: RAP Working Group Team Leader michael.lennox@ethangroup.com.au page 09 / Ethan Group Reconciliation Action Plan for FY /19

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