Reconciliation Action Plan

Transcription

1 Reconciliation Action Plan Launched September

2 WHAT IS RECONCILIATION? Reconciliation recognises and respects the special place, culture, rights and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: and where good relationships between First Australians and other Australians become the foundation for local strength and success; and the enhancement of our national wellbeing... ABOUT JOBS AUSTRALIA Jobs Australia is the national peak body for not-forprofit organisations that assist unemployed people to get and keep jobs. We provide an independent voice for members who range from large charitable organisations to small local community based agencies. Jobs Australia helps members to make the most effective use of their resources and promotes the needs of unemployed people for the services that will help them to participate fully in society. Jobs Australia is the largest network of employment and related service providers in Australia. We are proud to be fully funded by and accountable to our members. STRATEGIC PRIORITIES STRENGTHENING CAPACITY: Provide assistance and resources that enhance the capacity of members to deliver quality services and outcomes. ENGAGING AND SUPPORTING OUR MEMBERS: Through effective engagement with our membership, Jobs Australia will develop and deliver services relevant to members. LEADING AND INFLUENCING POLICY DEVELOPMENT: Jobs Australia plays a pivotal role in shaping the policy environment as it effects the sector and those whom the sector serves. ADVANCING POSITIVE SOCIAL CHANGE: We do things that reflect the collective values of our members. Jobs Australia is active in defending and developing the contribution the not-for-profit sector makes to Australian society; and, undertakes action to address marginalisation and disadvantage. 2 JOBS AUSTRALIA RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN JOBS AUSTRALIA 3

3 SUMMARY OF THE SERVICES AND PROGRAMS THAT JOBS AUSTRALIA AND THE JOBS AUSTRALIA FOUNDATION CURRENTLY DELIVER. Jarlmadangah, WA Indigenous Youth Leadership Program 2010 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Member of the Federation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages and Culture Working Party. INDIGENOUS NETWORK Member of the Federation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages and Culture. Indigenous Forces at Work Conference Provision of training advice and support to members and associate members of the Indigenous Network Indigenous Mentoring and training Capacity building support for Indigenous Programs Assistance to members to develop resources to support service provision Newsletter to members Brokering /referring services - Indigenous and non- Indigenous Advocacy Indigenous and non-indigenous Provision of support to member organisations submitting grant funding or tender applications 4 JOBS AUSTRALIA RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN COMMUNITY SECTOR INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Industrial Relations and Human Resources Advice & Workshops POLICY Support Indigenous Member Organisations Promote /share case studies and information on Indigenous organisations at events Support member development of Indigenous Employment Program recruitment strategy Support members delivering Remote Jobs and Communities Program (RJCP) JOBS AUSTRALIA FOUNDATION Separate Board including 2 Indigenous Directors Delivery of Indigenous Youth Leadership Program Referral and support of other Indigenous organisations/ programs wanting information on what and how we have developed the IYLP Networking and sharing of information/presentations Development of Aboriginal Cultural Experience cross cultural training. RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN JOBS AUSTRALIA 5

4 IYLP 2010: Group shot at the Kokoda Memorial after completing the Kokoda Trek VISION FOR RECONCILIATION Through reconciliation Jobs Australia works towards a fair and equitable Australia in which all Australians participate collaboratively, economically and socially. We value and encourage an inclusive culture that recognises and respects Australia s heritage. OBJECTIVE Jobs Australia supports its membership to provide services that enable participation and build positive and long lasting change in our communities through employment, education, advice and advocacy. 6 JOBS AUSTRALIA RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN JOBS AUSTRALIA 7

5 RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN (RAP) DEVELOPMENT PROCESS The process for developing the Jobs Australia RAP has been an inclusive exercise engaging 60% of Jobs Australia staff and providing a valuable opportunity for staff to connect with each other, and in a safe and supported environment begin to increase their knowledge and understanding of Indigenous affairs and culture. During the development of the RAP, five new staff commenced at Jobs Australia and were keen to be involved in the process. The approach to developing the RAP and the contribution by new and existing staff has resulted in a RAP that is grounded in understanding and experience and fresh with new ideas that people own and are excited to implement. The process for developing the RAP commenced in late 2011 with several conversations taking place between: David Thompson, AM, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Jobs Australia and Chair of the 8 JOBS AUSTRALIA RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN Jobs Australia Foundation; May Lam, Deputy CEO of Jobs Australia; and Jodie Belyea, Manager of the Jobs Australia Foundation about the need to develop a RAP for Jobs Australia and the Jobs Australia Foundation. As a result of these discussions a RAP Working Group formed through invitations to internal and external representatives, Jobs Australia Directors and staff members. The comprises: Ron Miers, Chairman of the Jobs Australia Board Dennis Batty, the of the Indigenous Training Network Margaret Balsillie, Human Resources /Industrial Relations Adviser with the Industrial Relations Team Jodie Belyea, Jobs Australia Foundation Manager Materials relating to the process for developing a RAP were obtained from Reconciliation Australia and an Action Plan drafted for consideration at the first meeting of the Working Group. At this meeting, Dennis Batty was appointed Champion for the RAP and the Action Plan was adopted and another meeting was scheduled to develop the content for the Jobs Australia Staff RAP Workshop. It was identified at this meeting that Jobs Australia was in a unique position being: an employer; a member organisation; and a peak body representing other organisations that employ and provide services to Indigenous Australians. As a result it was agreed to include internal and external actions under the three focus areas: Relationships, Respect and Opportunities. 1. Internal actions relate to activities that Jobs Australia would implement with and for staff 2. External actions focus on activities that Jobs Australia would implement for and with its members. A key focus of the RAP was the inclusion of Jobs Australia staff in the development process. Two workshops were arranged to consult with staff, at the first workshop staff were provided with information and opportunities to understand: Reconciliation; the purpose of a RAP; RAPs developed by other organisations; current reconciliation activities implemented by Jobs Australia; and possible activities that Jobs Australia could implement in the future. The first workshop was attended by 12 staff (including the RAP Working Group). Ideas and opportunities for inclusion in the RAP were brainstormed in small groups and then collated and refined into the first draft of the RAP. The first draft was presented to 10 staff for final feedback. Following this the document was forwarded to the CEO for consideration and further consolidation. The RAP was sent to Reconciliation Australia (RA) for review and feedback. The document was further refined by RA and then presented to the Jobs Australia Board for endorsement. RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN JOBS AUSTRALIA 9

6 1. RELATIONSHIPS Focus: Awareness & Understanding ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE MEASUREABLE TARGET Jobs Australia staff deepen their existing understanding of Indigenous culture through completion of DEEWR online Cultural Awareness Training (CAT) and participation in workshop. CEO External Provider March All Jobs Australia Staff completed DEEWR Online CAT and Workshop INTERNAL Jobs Australia Staff Induction provides an overview of the Indigenous activities and services offered to our members. and other protocols. December Include an overview of Jobs Australia protocols and a summary of services and programs in Jobs Australia Induction Manual INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL Develop relationships with Indigenous organisations, communities and professionals to strengthen our networks, knowledge and improve our practice. Collate the Indigenous services delivered by Jobs Australia members to better understand the programs and services offered to Indigenous clients. Team Managers Ongoing Regularly update information on Indigenous employment, education and training providers and distribute to all members CEO March Document developed listing the range of Indigenous employment, education and training services offered by members IYLP - Ngurra-Kurlu Ceremony - performed at special occasions to tell the story of cultural integration, with due acknowledgement of its origins with the Warlpiri people of Lajamanu, Central Northern Territory. Develop an Indigenous Affairs Working Group with members to identify gaps in knowledge and resources across the sector. Policy Team May Facilitated bi-monthly working group meetings. IYLP 2010 on the Kokda Trek - last gathering before heading on the home stretch. Jobs Australia members provided with support to develop their knowledge of Indigenous programs on offer through awareness-raising workshops Team Managers June onwards Deliver at least 1 workshop at both the Indigenous Forces at Work Conference (IF@W) and Jobs Australia Annual Conference EXTERNAL Assist members to improve service delivery to Indigenous employees and clients through the delivery of workshops on engaging and retaining Indigenous employees and clients. HR/IR Team Indigenous Affairs Working Group June onwards Developed workshop content and delivered 2-3 workshops each year Promote the development and implementation of RAPs. CEO May onwards Promote RAPs and IF@W and Jobs Australia Annual Conference Identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professionals and organisations who can consult and advise on matters as they arise (Protocols, HR, RAPs, IR, Legal issues). March Develop list of relevant professions and organisations that can provide support to members 10 JOBS AUSTRALIA RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN JOBS AUSTRALIA 11

7 2. RESPECT Focus: Recognition 3. OPPORTUNITIES Focus: Influence & Inclusion ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE MEASUREABLE TARGET ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE MEASUREABLE TARGET INTERNAL EXTERNAL Develop Jobs Australia protocols and provide education on: Acknowledging Country, Welcome to Country for events, conferences and meetings, acknowledgment in Jobs Australia footer. Promote and participate in events on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander calendar including NAIDOC week, Reconciliation Week, National Sorry Day. Display Indigenous artwork and posters promoting Indigenous cultural activities and events in the office. Promote to Jobs Australia members events on the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Calender including the ATSI Annual Calender of events. Support Reconciliation by sponsoring an award category in the Reconciliation Australia Annual Awards Ceremony. E.g. a category that acknowledges best practice in reconciliation by employment service providers. December January each year Protocols provided to all staff at Cultural Awareness training and included in Jobs Australia policy manual - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Calender posted on Jobs Australia website - Jobs Australia Staff coordinate and/or attend 2 events that promote reconciliation each year Administration Ongoing Promote cultural activities and events CEO, RAP Working Group, and RA Ongoing September Promote key events, opportunities and relevant information to members Sponsorship amount agreed to and award made INTERNAL EXTERNAL Conduct a planning meeting with CEO in respect to the implications and the implementation of the RAP once ratified by the Jobs Australia Board. Delivery training to IR & HR staff on Indigenous related IR & HR issues to enable staff to better support members. Increase the number of Indigenous staff working for Jobs Australia. Increase the number of Indigenous suppliers providing services to Jobs Australia Provide work experience and internship opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Scope opportunities to deliver training that promotes better ways of working with Indigenous employees and job seekers (e.g. training on how to update HR & IR Policies to be inclusive of Indigenous culture/protocols) Encourage members to undertake Cultural Awareness Training (CAT) and participate in workshops on key issues relevant to working with and supporting Indigenous employees and clients to improve practice, cross organisational knowledge and capacity. Inclusion of relevant research and success stories focusing on Indigenous excellence at Jobs Australia Conferences, events and websites CEO & RAP working Group RAP, IR/HR Manager & external expert CEO & Team Managers CEO & Team Managers December June onwards March March Meeting held, budget implications understood and actions delegated accordingly Delivered training to IR / HR Staff. Increase Indigenous staff and contractors from 1 EFT to 3 EFT per annum Membership of Supply Nation and increased procurement levels from Indigenous suppliers CEO June 2 students per annum Indigenous Affairs Working Group & IR Manager CEO, CEO May Ongoing November Identification of need and delivery of up to 2 workshops per annum - Posted link to RA s list of CAT providers on website - Post Jobs Australia s RAP on website - Post regular articles on what Jobs Australia is up to on Jobs Australia website Jobs Australia Conference, IF@W Conference and website Promote the range of Indigenous offerings / activities delivered by members January Information contained on Jobs Australia Website and Jobs Australia events and activities Increase membership of Indigenous organisations IN & CSIR Ongoing Increase membership by 30% RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN JOBS AUSTRALIA 13

8 4. TRACKING & REPORTING OUTCOMES ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE MEASURABLE TARGET meet monthly December Conduct monthly RAP meetings Documentation and presentation of a summary of Indigenous activities and services offered by Jobs Australia January Developed summary of activities and services; presented staff at CAT and included in induction process Planning Meeting held with Department Managers to allocate key actions from RAP Launch of RAP Jobs Australia staff participate in CAT Employment of Indigenous staff to support training and Jobs Australia core service delivery Development and coordination of Indigenous Affairs Working Group with Jobs Australia Members Align Jobs Australia policies to include Indigenous specific procedures CEO, Team Managers & RAP Working Group, CEO and Chair of Jobs Australia Board CEO and RAP Working Group February September March Action plan with time frames adopted by Staff and members present at launch at National Conference 80% of Jobs Australia Staff participated in on-line Cultural Awareness Training by January and CAT workshop by March CEO, IN & JAF March 3 staff/contractors engaged CEO & RAP Working Group HR / IR Working Group & Chair of May June Conducted 6 bi-monthly meetings Policies updated 14 JOBS AUSTRALIA RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN

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