BBC Worldwide Australia and New Zealand Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan

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1 BBC Worldwide Australia and New Zealand Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan

2 A MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGING DIRECTOR I m delighted to present the inaugural BBC Worldwide Australia and New Zealand (BBCW ANZ) Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for As a global distribution company and a national broadcaster, BBCW ANZ is committed to playing its part in helping end the disparity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. We have a responsibility to ensure that our business in Australia reflects the values of diversity and inclusion in line with our corporate values - Trust, Respect, Teamwork, Enterprise, Quality, Creativity and Audiences. With this in mind, I am thrilled to lead our ANZ team through the first steps on our journey towards reconciliation. As we grow in our mission to Entertain the World, we are committed to making a positive impact on the communities in which we exist and drive practical measures to support and promote reconciliation in the media sector. The primary focus over the next two years is to build constructive partnerships and create long-term meaningful employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are particularly focused on engaging the entire BBCW ANZ workforce to develop employee understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures and to ensure reconciliation becomes part of the DNA at BBCW ANZ. I look forward to an exciting journey ahead and delivering a successful RAP over the next two years and into the future. Jon Penn Managing Director BBC Worldwide Australia and New Zealand 1

3 A MESSAGE FROM RECONCILIATION AUSTRALIA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER As the Chief Executive Officer of Reconciliation Australia, I warmly welcome and support BBCW ANZ in their commitment to the reconciliation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. I would like to personally congratulate Jon Penn, BBCW ANZ Managing Director and the Executive Leadership Team for committing to the RAP program a proud and worthy national aspiration. The RAP program is one of Reconciliation Australia s key strategies. The program uses a holistic approach to create meaningful relationships and sustainable opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. BBCW ANZ is committed to long-term action. As a member of Media Reconciliation Industry Network Group (Media RING), BBCW is committed to industry-wide leadership, employment and resource sharing to encourage diverse opportunities in the media sector. We are excited by the energy and commitment of BBCW ANZ that this new RAP demonstrates. We know that you will achieve great success and we wish you all the best as you embark on your reconciliation journey. Leah Armstrong CEO Reconciliation Australia 2

4 ABOUT THE REFLECT RAP The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is about organisations from every sector turning good intentions into real actions and rising to the challenge of reconciling Australia. A RAP is a business plan that uses an holistic approach to create meaningful relationships, enhanced respect and promote sustainable opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. The RAP program includes four types of RAPs, each offering a different level of engagement and support. In developing a Reflect RAP, BBCW ANZ commits to completing the following actions over the next 12 months to ensure we are well positioned to implement effective and mutually beneficial initiatives as part of future Reconciliation Action Plans. Our future RAPs will identify relationships, respect and opportunities actions specific to our business and our sphere of influence. This Reflect RAP will allow BBCW ANZ to focus on building relationships both internally and externally, and raise awareness with our stakeholders to ensure there is shared understanding and ownership of our RAP within our organisation. Development of our future RAPs will involve consultation with staff across our organisation including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and/or stakeholders to achieve our vision for reconciliation. 3

5 OUR BUSINESS About BBC Worldwide BBC Worldwide Limited (BBCW) is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). BBC Worldwide exists to support the BBC public service mission and to maximise profits on its behalf. It does this through investing in, commercialising and showcasing content from the BBC and other British producers around the world, in a way that is consistent with BBC standards and values. BBCW also builds the reach and reputation of the BBC brand overseas and champions British creativity. About BBC Worldwide Australia and New Zealand Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) is a priority territory for BBC Worldwide, focusing on growth across all its core business areas. Based in Macquarie Park, Sydney (Wallumattagal country of the Eora nation), BBCW ANZ wholly owns five channels: UKTV, BBC Knowledge and CBeebies in Australia; UKTV and BBC Knowledge in New Zealand; and is responsible for the distribution and promotion of BBC World News which transmits in both countries. In August 2014 it will launch a new premium BBC channel, BBC First, showcasing premiere drama and comedy on the Foxtel platform in Australia. BBCW ANZ distributes great British content from the BBC and other producers to free-to-air and subscription channels as well as to digital platforms, including the global BBC iplayer in Australia and New Zealand. It works with partners to bring BBC Worldwide DVDs, magazines, digital apps, innovative products and live events to the local market, as well as offering advertising opportunities for the BBC s world renowned bbc.com news site. BBC Worldwide has a workforce of over 100 employees in Australia and a global workforce of 2000 spanning offices in Europe, the Americas and the Asia Pacific region. 4

6 OUR VISION FOR RECONCILIATION With our national reach, BBCW ANZ wants to ensure our business reflects the values of inclusion and diversity in line with the BBCW ANZ corporate values. We commit to making reconciliation part of our business and we endorse the vision of a nation which values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritages, cultures and peoples and recognise their unique position as Australia s First Peoples. We acknowledge that as a growing population, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will form a larger percentage of our workforce, our customer base and our business partners. This RAP and our involvement in Media RING outlines our commitment to the reconciliation journey. OUR RECONCILIATION PLAN As an active member of Media RING, BBCW ANZ aim to drive practical measures to support and promote reconciliation in the media sector. We believe that reconciliation is everyone s responsibility and through promoting a culture of diversity and respect across the workforce, with opportunities for all Australians, reconciliation can be achieved. This RAP demonstrates our commitment to the reconciliation journey. We commit to completing the following actions over the next two years: Educate our workforce, our viewers and our clients to gain knowledge of and respect for Australia s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Build long-standing relationships and partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations and communities. Create meaningful and lasting job opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Develop a range of opportunities and experiences for our workforce to encourage a high level of engagement and support for the RAP. Build relationships with other Media RING organisations across Australia to share knowledge, resources and key learnings. 5

7 OUR WORKING GROUP Chaired by Content Rights Manager, Alexis Groen, our RAP working group comprises executives, managers and one member of the Executive Leadership Team with representation from each department across the business. Developed in consultation with the Executive Leadership Team and championed by BBCW ANZ CEO, Jon Penn, our first RAP gives careful consideration to actions and deliverables that we are committed to achieve within a two year period. OUR PARTNERSHIPS/CURRENT ACTIVITIES BBC Worldwide ANZ joined volunteer association of industry and screen organisations, Media RING during its inception in The primary purpose of Media RING is to develop and enhance career opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the media sector. It also aims to provide leadership and build understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through sharing knowledge, advocacy and promoting the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories among our staff, stakeholders and audiences. Media RING brings some of Australia s major media organisations together and encompasses broadcasters, government media agencies, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, trade associations and many more. In 2010 BBC Worldwide ANZ engaged Gilimbaa, an Indigenous creative agency (in collaboration with Holy Cow! Design and Advertising) to produce BBC Worldwide s environmental design, Songlines, which is displayed throughout the walls of the Sydney office. The Songlines element used throughout this publication represents the parallels that BBC Worldwide fondly share with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, primarily, the art of storytelling and communication of cultures. 6

8 RELATIONSHIPS We are committed to building genuine, long-standing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations and communities. These relationships will be based on mutual respect and trust, and foster positive outcomes for both our business and those that we engage with. ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE DELIVERABLES 1.1 BBC Worldwide Australia and New Zealand to establish a RAP Working Group 1.2 Raise internal awareness of the RAP Content Rights Manager May 2014 BBC Worldwide Australia and New Zealand will form and establish a RAP Working Group comprising of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation to support the development of our RAP. Communications Executive May 2014 Develop and implement a plan to raise awareness across the organisation about our commitment to a RAP at BBC Worldwide Australia and New Zealand. 1.3 Develop and build strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations, communities and key stakeholders Account Executive Digital, DVD and Content Rights Manager October 2014 April 2015 Create a list of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, organisations and stakeholders within our local area or sphere of influence that we could approach to assist us in our understanding of the potential activities in our future RAPs. Develop relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media companies, organisations and consider BBCW ANZ staff volunteering skills, expertise. December 2015 Organise at least one meeting with Metro Local Aboriginal Land Council. Build relationships through Media RING and other media RAP organisations. 1.4 Celebrate National Reconciliation Week (NRW) Presentation Manager 27th May- 3rd June 2014 and 2015 RAP Working Group to attend a community event or organise an internal event to recognise and celebrate NRW. Display NRW poster on notice boards to create awareness and understanding among BBC employees. Air NRW Community Service Announcement on BBC Worldwide ANZ Channels to promote awareness and understanding within the broader community. Investigate an opportunity to invite an Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander guest speaker from the media, arts, Metro Local Aboriginal Land Council or Reconciliation Australia to our NRW event. 7

9 RESPECT Developing respect and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, land and histories is a priority for BBCW ANZ. We believe that implementing a plan to improve our awareness and engagement will build respect and create reconciliation within our business, on an individual level as well as influence those that we work with. ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE DELIVERABLES 2.1 Investigate cultural development opportunities for BBCW ANZ Head of Human Resources July 2014 Develop a business case for an introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness training for all staff and present to Executive Leadership Team for input. May 2014, October 2015 Capture baseline data on our employee s current level of understanding around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions. December 2015 Investigate opportunities for staff to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, such as participating in cultural walks and tours, attend events, festivals in order to increase awareness, understanding and appreciation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. 2.2 Celebrate NAIDOC Week Account Executive Digital, DVD 1st 2nd Sunday July 2014, 2015 RAP Working Group to participate in a community NAIDOC Week event, or hold an internal event. 2.3 Raise internal understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols within BBCW ANZ Content Rights Manager May 2014 Develop and implement a cultural protocol document for BBCW ANZ to raise awareness and understanding of the meaning and significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols, such as Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country, within our organisiation. December 2015 Organise at least one Welcome to Country to be provided by a Traditional Owner. Include Acknowledgement of Country at key BBCW ANZ events. 2.4 Adopt appropriate cultural protocols during content scheduling Presentation Manager May 2014 Implement appropriate cultural warnings before broadcast of content that may be sensitive to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers on BBCW ANZ owned channels. December 2015 Communicate requirements to relevant teams to ensure compliance. 8

10 OPPORTUNITIES We are committed to creating sustainable, equal employment opportunities and career progression for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are considering opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enterprises as part of our procurement process. ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE DELIVERABLES 3.1 Investigate opportunities to create Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment opportunities within BBCW ANZ Head of Human Resources May 2014 As an equal opportunity employer, all BBCW ANZ job advertisements will display BBC Worldwide Australia is in EO employer. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. Work with Media RING in publicising job opportunities at BBCW ANZ to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Review job advertisement placement to ensure we are targeting and reaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with all employment opportunities. Create at least one 12 month, full time role for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person and partly fund using Indigenous Employment Program (IEP) Funding through Media RING. December 2015 Create at least one 12 month, full time role for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person and partly fund using the Media and Screen Industry Indigenous Employment Program (IEP) administered by Screen Australia, in partnership with Media RING. 3.2 Investigate and consider the mutually beneficial opportunities that supplier diversity will provide to BBCW ANZ Merchandise Manager January 2015 Scope and develop a business case for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity within BBCW ANZ. May 2015 Research and develop a list of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suppliers. 3.3 Build a mentor/internship program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students Head of Advertising Solutions May 2014 November 2014 Establish partnerships with appropriate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations who can assist with a mentor/internship program. Scope and develop a plan on how to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are interested in pursuing an Internship / Work experience within a Media company. 3.4 Other opportunities Acquisitions Executive December 2015 Scope and develop a plan to inform subsequent RAPs outlining opportunities that have been identified throughout our consultation with internal and external stakeholders. May 2014 Research BBC Worldwide archive catalogue for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content and review for distribution with BBC Worldwide Channels and other Broadcasters. 9

11 TRACKING AND PROGRESS ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE DELIVERABLES 4.1 Build support for the BBCW ANZ RAP Communications Executive, Acquisitions Executive, May 2014 Establish permanent space on intranet for RAP and associated updates. Include RAP in BBCW ANZ staff induction programme. Head of Human Resources Create data collection method and tools to measure progress and success of RAP actions and targets. Before 30th September 2014, 2015 Annually submit the RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire on our achievements to Reconciliation Australia. 4.2 Engage and inform BBCW ANZ leadership team on RAP progress RAP Working Group, Head of Human Resources Quarterly, August 2014, Update the Executive Leadership Team regularly. 4.3 Review and refresh BBCW ANZ RAP RAP Working Group, Content Rights Manager October 2015 BBCW ANZ RAP Working Group will work together to review, update and refresh BBCW ANZ RAP based on learnings, achievements and challenges and liaise directly with Reconciliation Australia to consider for formal endorsement. CONTACT DETAILS Alexis Groen Content Rights Manager BBC Worldwide Australia and New Zealand Level 5, 6 Eden Park Drive, Macquarie Park NSW 2113, Australia Ph: +61 (0) Alexis.Groen@bbc.com 10

12 SONGLINES Footprints from an ancient time traverse the void. A deep melodic sound rises up from the earth; pathways are revealed. This Country is created. The vocal journey of sound continues to meander, inter-twining and connecting with existing lines, defining Land, defining Law, defining Ceremony, defining Place. This is the song of creation, connecting country, connecting culture and connecting people to the dreamtime. ABOUT Songlines are paths or tracks that span the country. They take the form of song, story, dance and painting and, when expressed, actually bring the landscape into existence. Songlines are used to navigate across distances far and wide; they describe the location of landmarks, waterholes, and other natural phenomena, which guide the traveller. There are many thousands of Songlines which form a system across the Australian continent, and they must all continue to be sung to keep the land alive. The interweaving paths of Songlines form and preserve the fabric of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land and life. The Songlines element used throughout this publication represents the parallels that BBC Worldwide fondly share with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, primarily, the art of storytelling and communication of cultures. The artwork Songlines, was created by Gilimbaa, an Indigenous creative agency that specialises in culturally effective and appropriate communication strategy, artwork, campaigns and consulting for the government, corporate and nonprofit sectors. Gilimbaa means today in the Wakka Wakka language of Central South-West Queensland. Gilimbaa interweaves Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytelling and culture with contemporary design execution to deliver bespoke creative outcomes and artworks based on the individual journey and stories of our clients. 11

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