Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan July 2017 July 2019

Transcription

1 Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan July 2017 July 2019

2 Reaching for the Stars Artwork featured on the cover The centre circle represents the hub of Therapy Focus; our organisation, our existence. The footprints represent interactions with people in the community and the travel we undertake to succeed. The five circles around the centre design represent our interactions with homes, structures, towns and communities. The shapes around the circles represent our staff talking and consulting with one another. The shapes within the circles represent people being supported and counselled. The shooting stars represent organisational growth, journeys had, and journeys yet to come. Reaching for the Star is on display in the waiting area of Therapy Focus Head Office for our clients, staff and guests to enjoy. About the Artist JEANETTE GARLETT Jeanette is a Nyungar Aboriginal woman. She was removed from her family at a young age and was in Mogumber Mission from 1956 to 1968, where she attended the Mogumber Mission School and Moora Junior High School. Jeanette later moved to Queensland and gained an Associate Diploma of Arts from the Townsville College of TAFE, majoring in screen printing batik. From 1991 to present day Jeanette has presented 10 major exhibitions and been awarded four commissions Australiawide. Jeanette currently lives in Northam with her family and is actively working as an artist and art therapist in the region. Jeanette also lectures at the O Connor College of TAFE. Her dream is to have her work acknowledged and respected by her peers and the broader community. 2

3 Contents CEO Foreword 4 About Therapy Focus 5 Our Vision for Reconciliation 6 The RAP Working Group 7 Corey s Story Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan Relationships 10 Respect 14 Opportunities 17 Reporting 19 Our RAP Partners Back Cover The artwork throughout this plan was created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students taking part in the Follow the Dream Program at Seven Oaks College. Artwork: Shakirra Ugle 3

4 A message from our CEO Our RAP reconciles our beliefs and values for a better and more inclusive Australia. I am proud to present our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This Plan represents the commitment of the management team and staff of this organisation to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as our First Australians, and to reconcile our beliefs and values for a better and more inclusive Australia. It is very heartening to know that staff at Therapy Focus have a desire to see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples thrive in this country. This desire is based on a deep-seeded belief that they have unique knowledge and skills, which are assets to this nation. Our staff cohort are drawn from all over the world and are recognised for being at the forefront of therapeutic practice in one of the most complex environments to work in; disability. They are trained to follow the wisdom of their forebears, to be pragmatic, and to effectively use the available resources at hand. In this regard Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are considered specialists by our staff. There is a healthy respect for our First Australians at Therapy Focus. I hope this Reconciliation Action Plan conveys that respect and the goodwill we have to work in partnership with Aboriginal people living with disability to optimise their quality of life. Finally, I am confident that this Plan, along with the commitments made herein, will also enable us to learn about ourselves and our own practice to benefit the wider community that we serve. For this reason I commend to you this Reconciliation Action Plan; a key initiative of Therapy Focus in achieving our purpose of enabling people living with disability to optimise their quality of life. Matt Burrows Chief Executive Officer 4

5 About Therapy Focus Therapy Focus is one of Australia s leading providers of professional therapy services. Since incorporation as a not-for-profit organisation in 1998, Therapy Focus has grown to become one of Western Australia s largest disability service providers, delivering quality services to more than 3,000 children and adults living with disability. Our teams of qualified occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers, continence nurses and dietitians deliver comprehensive, evidence-based therapy that helps people achieve their goals. Teams work collaboratively with families, schools, carers and the wider community to help people living with disability optimise their quality of life. Promoting inclusion and participation of people with disabilities is another aspect of what we do. Through advocacy, mentoring, capacity-building, partnerships, projects and events, we strive to increase acceptance and understanding of disability within the community. Our Values Respect Integrity Inclusion Courage We respect the people we serve, the people we work with, and the organisations we partner with. We pride ourselves on our professionalism and strive to continuously improve. We work collaboratively and communicate openly to ensure all parties are informed and included. We act with courage and gain fulfilment from the work we do. 5

6 Our Vision for Reconciliation Therapy Focus recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the original custodians of Australia. Our vision is for a community that acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people s cultural heritage and celebrates the unique wisdom of our First Australians and their intrinsic connection to this wonderful land and its seas. To realise this vision we aim to build relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the local communities in which we work. This will broaden our understanding and guide us in delivering appropriate cultural practice that enables Aboriginal people to optimise their quality of life. We also aim to stand with Aboriginal people to encourage other service providers to embrace reconciliation for a better and more inclusive Australian society. Therapy Focus is committed to providing services that assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Currently we deliver therapy to more than 300 people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Through the implementation of our Reconciliation Action Plan we will better engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and work towards developing a culture that can support designated roles for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees. Therapy Focus is committed to providing services that assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Artwork: Monica Martin 6

7 Our RAP Working Group The Therapy Focus Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group was established to ensure our RAP is a living document with all actions delivered. The Working Group includes both clinical and corporate employees, as well as Aboriginal advocates and representatives, who meet regularly to develop ideas, discuss actions, track progress and implement strategies. RAP Working Group members: Leona Whiting Manager, Therapy Focus (Chair) Kirby Molloy, Therapy Focus Jo Andrews Social Worker, Therapy Focus Larissa Ashton Speech Pathologist, Therapy Focus Kulali Leslie Family Connect Worker, Therapy Focus Tania Harris Aboriginal Advocate, Health Consumers Council WA Jan Parson Client Planning Consultant, Life Without Barriers Tony Sibosado State Lead; Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Initiatives, Life Without Barriers Barbara McGillivray Aboriginal Representative Advisor Team work is what makes the dream work. External support has also been provided by our RAP partner organisations Peedac, Recognise, Life Without Barriers, the Health Consumers Council of WA and the Aboriginal Development Centre. Artwork: Oliviana Thorne 7

8 Corey s Story The following was written by Barb Ahmat whose son Corey accesses services from Therapy Focus. Corey was diagnosed with Autism and needed assessment and therapy services. When we started accessing services from Therapy Focus what we received was stability and support through his important schooling years. When Corey was in Primary School he had difficulties with his memory and telling stories. But after working with his therapy team he has been was saying their names and retaining information, which is such a big achievement for him. He has started to talk more, saying the right words and correcting himself when he makes a mistake. We can t stop him from talking at home now, which is such a big difference and a delight to see. Corey s transition to high school was made as smooth as possible by the support of his therapists. I felt the team really advocated for us and involved me in joint meetings with the teachers and education assistants to make sure everyone was on board. Corey has become much more independent since going into high school. There can be barriers for Aboriginal families to engage with services. Families can feel nervous about other people coming in to their homes. They can feel shame about having a child with a diagnosis and judged when others don t understand why their child is acting a certain way. There are often also fears regarding the Department of Child Protection and being perceived as a bad parent. I found the support of Therapy Focus to be very proactive and thorough from the start. Corey s therapists were always very respectful, understanding, supportive and non-judgemental during home visits. The connection and relationship that was built from with our family made the service more personal, and helped us build a rapport between our family and our therapy team. I am extremely happy to have chosen Therapy Focus as a service provider. The therapists are brilliant and I would recommend the service to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families wanting to achieve positive outcomes for their children s developmental needs. I think building rapport and trust is key to engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. This will help them open up, put the time in, and ensure consistency in services for their child. Artwork: Chloe Calyon 8

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10 Our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan The following outlines the key actions, deliverables, timelines and responsibilities for the delivery of Therapy Focus Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. These have been ordered against the four areas of: Opportunities Reporting Our RAP is championed by all employees at Therapy Focus. Relationships Respect 10

11 Relationships Building strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations and communities is important to ensuring we engage with all who require our services and support. Through collaboration and the development of partnerships, we can better support needs and achieve positive outcomes for everyone. Focus area: Relationship development is a key strategic direction for Therapy Focus. This will help us become a service provider of choice in the communities in which we operate. Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility 1. Actively monitor RAP development and implementation of actions, tracking progress and reporting. 2. Celebrate and participate in National Reconciliation Week (NRW) by providing opportunities to build and maintain relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. Ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are represented on the RAP Working Group (RWG). Establish Terms of Reference for the RWG. Oversee the development, endorsement and launch of Therapy Focus RAP. Meet with RWG at least twice annually to monitor and report on RAP implementation. Consult with staff and stakeholders to generate a list of ideas for both internal and external events. Implement at least one new activity from the list of ideas annually. Represent Therapy Focus at NRW events in local areas of operation. Download Reconciliation Australia s NRW resources and circulate to staff. Encourage staff to participate in external events to recognise and celebrate NRW. June 2017 July 2017 July 2017 July 2019 May June 2018, 2019 May June 2018, 2019 RWG Chair RWG Chair RWG Chair RWG Chair 11

12 Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility Coordinate at least one Therapy Focus event to recognise and celebrate NRW annually, Register Therapy Focus' NRW event on Reconciliation Australia s NRW website. May June 2018, 2019 and Events Coordinator Support at least one external event, ensuring the RWG participates to recognise and celebrate NRW annually. 3. Develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations to support positive outcomes. Develop and implement an engagement plan for working with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders. Meet with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to develop guiding principles for future engagement. Maintain partnership with Recognise, ensuring at least two secondments are completed by December Develop joint ventures, partnerships, pro bono support, secondment and community capacity opportunities. December 2017 January 2018 Manager Work with Life Without Barriers to increase engagement with stakeholders and develop guiding principles. January 2018 Manager 4. Raise internal and external awareness of our RAP to promote reconciliation across our business and the sector. Implement and review strategies to communicate our RAP to all internal and external stakeholders. Communicate RAP updates to staff and stakeholders each quarter via the Staff Update and Therapy Focus e-newsletter. Circulate Aboriginal Resources Directory to staff to encourage better engagement with clients and provide additional service support. July 2017 July 2019 August 2017 Manager Manager 12

13 Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility 5. Collaborate with RAP partners to promote reconciliation internally and externally. Explore opportunities to support the Recognise campaign. Promote the Recognise campaign to staff on a regular basis via Staff Update. Arrange lunch meetings for Therapy Focus and Recognise staff to increase engagement. January 2018 Manager and Invite Recognise representative to speak at Therapy Focus Anniversary Breakfast to promote Recognise campaign and celebrate 50th Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum. Support Reconciliation Australia and our state/territory based reconciliation council

14 Respect In order for service delivery to be effective, it is important that there is trust between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Therapy Focus staff. Greater understanding and appreciation of the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is vital to ensuring that our staff are respectful within the communities they operate. This will also ensure shared pride and celebration of our country s first peoples. Focus area: Respect is one of Therapy Focus four organisational values, which underpin the way we work. For Therapy Focus to remain sustainable we need to align our values to those of our clients. Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility 6. Engage employees in cultural learning opportunities to increase understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and achievements Develop and implement a cultural awareness training strategy that defines the cultural learning needs of employees in all areas of our business, and considers various methods of delivery (i.e. online, face to face workshops or cultural immersion). Investigate opportunities to work with local Traditional Owners and/ or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultants to develop and deliver cultural awareness training. Cultural Awareness Training be rolled out with support from Peedac Offer the Department of Child Protection s online cultural awareness training to all staff. Offer the Department of Training & Development s training to key staff. September 2017 Manager and 14

15 Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility Provide opportunities for RWG members and senior leaders to undertake cultural learning opportunities. Promote Reconciliation Australia s Share Our Pride online tool to all staff. September 2017 Team 7. Engage employees in understanding the significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols, such as Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country, to ensure there is a shared meaning. Develop and implement a cultural protocol document for Welcome to or Acknowledgement of Country. Develop a list of key contacts for organising a Welcome to Country and maintaining respectful partnerships. Invite a local Traditional Owner to provide a Welcome to or Acknowledgement of Country at key organisation events, including the Anniversary Breakfast. Display a Welcome to or Acknowledgment of Country plaque at Therapy Focus offices. Display authentic artwork created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities at Therapy Focus offices. Update meeting agenda templates to include an Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners of the Land for important internal and external meetings. January 2018 July 2017 July 2019 February 2018 RWG Chair RWG Chair Manager 15

16 Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility 8. Provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to engage with their culture and communities by celebrating NAIDOC Week. Update policies and procedures to ensure there are no barriers to staff participating in NAIDOC Week. Provide opportunities for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to engage with their cultures and communities during NAIDOC Week. August 2017 July 2017, 2018, 2019 Host an internal NAIDOC Week event. Support external NAIDOC Week events hosted by RAP partners. July 2017, 2018, 2019 and Event Coordinator 9. Promote dates of significance to staff and the wider community through internal and external events and awareness raising activities. Collate a list of dates of significance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Promote the following dates of significance to staff via the Staff Update e-publication and ConnX (staff portal): August 2017 July 2017 July 2019 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander children's day celebrations Apology Anniversary Harmony Day Mabo Day 16

17 Opportunities It is important for Therapy Focus to provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, organisations and communities. By creating and improving employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people we can offer careers and training in a rewarding sector, which will in turn improve engagement. We will enable and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to access our services and offer cultural support throughout service delivery. Focus area: Identify a designated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander position within the organisation and further develop the engagement from our identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to grow, support and celebrate our cultural diversity. Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility 10. Improve accessibility of services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. Provide cultural support for the application process by offering direct access to our facilities and administration staff. Provide cultural support for the development of therapy goals and plans in collaboration with the broader therapy team. November 2017 RWG Chair 11. Investigate opportunities to improve and increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment outcomes within our workplace. Engage with existing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to consult on employment strategies and professional development opportunities. Collect information on our current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to inform future employment opportunities. Review recruitment procedures and policies to ensure there are no barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. January 2018 RWG Chair 17 17

18 Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility Liaise with RAP partners to identify suitable employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates. Liaise with employment support agencies to offer training and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Engage with external Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and/or consultants to advise on recruitment, employment and retention strategies, including professional development. November 2017 Manager and Develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment and retention strategy. November 2018 Manager Advertise all vacancies in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media. Include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply in all job advertisements. July 2017 July Investigate opportunities to incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity within our organisation. Review procurement policies and procedures to identify any barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses supplying goods and services. Develop and communicate a list of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses that can be used to procure goods and services to key staff. Develop one commercial relationship with an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander owned business. Investigate Supply Nation membership. August 2017, 2018 Manager and 18

19 Reporting We will track the progress of our RAP and report on the deliverables. Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility 13. Report RAP achievements, challenges and learnings to Reconciliation Australia Complete and submit the RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire to Reconciliation Australia annually. September 2018, 2019 Manager Investigate participating in the RAP Barometer May Report RAP achievements, challenges and learnings internally and externally Report RAP achievements, challenges and learnings in the Therapy Focus Annual Report Provide updates on RAP progress via Staff Update e-publication and Therapy Focus website. July 2018 Team and Communications Team 15. Review, refresh and update RAP Liaise with Reconciliation Australia to develop a new RAP based on learnings, challenges and achievements. January 2019 RWG Send draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for formal feedback and endorsement. 19

20 Our RAP Partners Thank you to the following organisations for providing support in the development of this RAP and throughout our RAP journey. Head Office 5/1140 Albany Hwy, Bentley WA 6102 Postal PO Box 20 Bentley 6982 Phone: key2creative_06/17_38386