Reconciliation Action Plan Financial Years

Transcription

1 Reconciliation Action Plan Financial Years

2 Our Vision for Reconciliation The Leukaemia Foundation s vision for reconciliation is of a nation that genuinely acknowledges and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original custodians of the land. 2 In joining the reconciliation community we aim to build a shared understanding and mutually respectful relationships between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian Community. Our vision for reconciliation will ensure equitable access to mainstream services for all Australians and will provide equal opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to actively participate in contemporary Australian society.

3 Contents Our Vision for Reconciliation 2 A Message from the CEO 4 Leukaemia Foundation 5 Our Reconciliation Journey 6 Our Innovate RAP 8 Relationships 9 Respect 11 3 Opportunities 13 Tracking and progress reporting 15

4 A Message from the CEO The Leukaemia Foundation s Vision is to Cure and Mission is to Care. We are committed to dynamic and diverse partnerships with the blood cancer community and this is inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and community organisations. 4 The Leukaemia Foundation commenced its reconciliation journey a little over a year ago subsequent to the appointment of an internal Reconciliation Action Plan Committee comprising staff representation at a General, National and state operational level. This Committee actively engaged with Aboriginal groups and individuals in addition to Reconciliation Australia in the establishment of our Plan. With clear governance and reporting structure in place I believe the impact of our Innovative Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) could be widespread. On this basis our fi rst RAP is integrated into our daily operations in the offi ce setting, to our external fundraising and support service activities and interactions with the wider public as well as through our relationships and experiences. It is my personal vision that our staff take ownership of the plan and feel rewarded in its implementation and simply through their involvement. I am really proud of the progress we have made so far and I am genuinely excited about what the future holds for the Foundation in the launch of our fi rst RAP. This is an incredibly important step for the Leukaemia Foundation in engaging with the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population affected by Blood Cancer. Adrian Collins Chief Executive Offi cer Leukaemia Foundation of Australia January 2015

5 Leukaemia Foundation We are Australia s peak body for blood cancer, funding research and providing free services to support people with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood disorders. In 1975, the Leukaemia Foundation set its objectives for the support and support and care for people with blood cancer. Initially established in Queensland, the Foundation now has offi ces in every state and territory across Australia and supports people with blood cancer and their and families in metropolitan, regional and rural communities. At this present time we have one Aboriginal employee working at the Leukaemia Foundation. It is our hope that through the adoption of our RAP we will be in a better position to engage with community securing the appointment of more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to the Foundation. From nurses and allied health professionals, to fundraising and event teams, marketers and administrators, our people are key stakeholders in delivering services and responding to the growth demands of our organisation as blood cancer incidence grows. Vision to Cure The Leukaemia Foundation has an unwavering commitment to the ongoing funding for vital research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment, psychosocial impact and ultimately cures for leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood disorders. We invest millions of dollars in cuttingedge research in leading Australian facilities each year. Mission to Care The Leukaemia Foundation s objective is to provide personalised support and care for people throughout their journey from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond. Delivered by an extensive team of allied health professionals and haematology oncology nurses, our services comprise disease information and education, emotional support and practical assistance. 5

6 Our Reconciliation Journey We formally commenced our reconciliation journey in late The Leukaemia Foundation works in metropolitan and regional Australia and as such our professional services are distributed in this way by local staff on the ground in locations around Australia. 6

7 As such we work closely with all health agencies to ensure our availability and range of services are known by health workers. In most instances people with blood cancer are treated in major cities and return to their regional areas post treatment. It is our role to ensure there is a full briefi ng of appropriate health workers in regional areas and as such our Blood Cancer Support Staff liaise with agencies such as Aboriginal Health for the ongoing well being of people. We have links with Aboriginal Health agencies in each of our locations and as an extension of this we developed more meaningful ties through the creation of a RAP. This document represents the Leukaemia Foundation s fi rst RAP. The guidelines instituted by Reconciliation Australia have provided a framework for the design and development of our Innovate RAP, including the establishment of an internal RAP Working Group. In addition to the internal RAP Working Group we have also consulted with external parties including representation from the Aboriginal community and health sector. The development process that was ratifi ed through these Working Groups has facilitated an inclusive experience that will ensure that our Innovate RAP adequately represents the actions, activities and needs of all the contributing parties now and into the future. This initial commitment through the Innovate RAP will enable us to pilot and formally test our strategies and approaches as we strive to develop a Stretch RAP. For the Leukaemia Foundation, our RAP has inaugurated a model of engagement that will facilitate the effective participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders in this process and throughout the delivery of our support services to the Australian blood cancer community. 7

8 8 Our Innovate RAP Our Innovate RAP will contribute to the collective actions and efforts of Australian organisations that are committed to reconciliation. The Leukaemia Foundation will embrace all opportunities that incorporate respect, mutually benefi cial relationships and activities that promote social inclusion. This includes the provision of access to support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have been impacted by a blood cancer or blood related disorder. In mid 2013 the fi rst step in the Foundations journey to develop an Innovate RAP was to embark on a cultural competency training workshop. Staff who attended underwent a preparatory online module on aboriginal culture and the health environment. A cross section of staff including senior members of the organisation attended the workshop. The workshop was hosted by an experienced facilitator who had particular health agency experience. All staff regardless if they had attended similar training in previous employment found the program extremely benefi cial and it allowed us to establish some specifi c protocols within our workplace. In addition to this the Support Service staff understood clearly how benefi cial it is to interact with Aboriginal Health Agencies particularly in the planning of people returning to regional locations. This training will be gradually rolled out across the organisation. In order to achieve this vision we are committed to: Strengthening our relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities with which we deliver support services and care. Offering cultural competency training and promote the respect of cultural protocols to our employees and volunteers in the delivery of all facets of our operations. Identifying, collaborating with and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Agencies in the provision of services and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples impacted by a blood cancer. Operating as an Equal Opportunities employer to provide and promote workforce opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

9 Relationships Strong relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community is core to the ongoing successes of our operations. The Leukaemia Foundation is committed to engaging regularly, openly and respectfully with Australians impacted by a blood cancer and with health agencies, other not for profi t organisations and allied health care specialists within the sector. Through our programs and in the delivery of our services we forge strong mutually benefi cial relationships. Action RAP deliverables Responsibility Timeline The RAP Working Group will oversee the development, endorsement and launch of the RAP in 2014 RAP Working Group & State General s January RAP Working Group which includes internal staff and expert external advice will continue to actively monitor RAP development including implementation of actions, tracking progress and reporting The RAP Working group will meet a minimum of biannually to report on RAP implementation Communicate RAP Progress to all Leukaemia Foundation employees and stakeholders Invite all senior managers to participate in RAP Working Group twice a year to provide input and gain a full understanding of process and activities to feedback to their individual teams RAP Working Group & State General March & August 2015, 2016, 2017 Human Resources CEO December , 2017 April & October/ 2015, 2016,

10 Action RAP deliverables Responsibility Timeline Seek counsel from local Aboriginal Health agency contacts on proposed local activities and general RAP progress Head of Blood Cancer Support & Blood Cancer Support s March & August 2015, 2016, Develop and build mutually benefi cial external relationships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders, communities and health agencies Develop a contact list of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations and stakeholders that the Leukaemia Foundation could engage with Head of Philanthropy April Schedule to meet with identifi ed organisations at least twice per year Support Services staff in each State (overseen by s: NSW/ACT, Vic/Tas SA/NT, WA ) May & September 2015, 2016, 2017 National Reconciliation Week activities are planned, supported and/ or attended by staff State General s & 27 May 3 June, 2015, 2016, Recognise, participate and provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and other employees to celebrate National Reconciliation Week (NRW) Organise at least one internal event in each Leukaemia Foundation offi ce Register all NRW events hosted by Leukaemia Foundation on Reconciliation Australia s NRW website to display support and capture participation of this nationwide event Download and circulate Reconciliation Australia s NRW toolkit to raise awareness of the signifi cance of this event

11 Respect Blood cancers are not specific to any particular demographic; they can develop in anyone of any age and at any time. The Leukaemia Foundation is dedicated to the care and cure of people with blood cancer and their families living with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood disorders. In the promotion of cultural competency amongst our staff and volunteers as well as implementing appropriate cultural protocols, we will facilitate an ongoing understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and connections to land. We feel that this level of cultural respect will fi lter through all facets of our operations and contribute to the understanding and skills of our staff so that they can provide appropriate support and services to the wider blood cancer community. Action RAP deliverables Responsibility Timeline 2.1 Engage employees in cultural learning to increase understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and achievements. Engage with an Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander consultant to deliver Cultural competency training to Leukaemia Foundation employees. Encourage and ensure all staff actively participate in ongoing cultural competency training Chief Executive Offi cer & National Human Resources February Develop, implement and communicate a cultural protocol document for Leukaemia Foundation Head of Marketing and Communications & Resources February Raise internal understanding and awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols Arrange for a local Traditional Owner to deliver a Welcome to country at all large Leukaemia Foundation public events Encourage Leukaemia Foundation employees to provide an Acknowledgment of Country at the commencement of signifi cant internal events Resources Resources February 2015 February 2015 Consult with RAP Working Group to include an Acknowledgment of Country and Traditional Custodians of the land in Leukaemia Foundation signature block Resources & Head of Marketing & Communications March 2015

12 Action RAP deliverables Responsibility Timeline 2.3 Provide opportunities for Leukaemia Foundation employees to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and communities through participating in cultural events such as NAIDOC Week events Review HR policies and procedures to ensure there are no barriers to staff participating in NAIDOC Provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, other Leukaemia Foundation employees and RAP Working Group members to participate in local NAIDOC Week events Create and display a calendar of signifi cant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander events and dates Resources Resources Head of Marketing &Communications July 2015, 2016, 2017 July 2015, 2016, 2017 February 2015, 2016, Acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through proposed capital works programs/new facilities When and where appropriate name meeting rooms in honour of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Display and fully acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fl ags, art and imagery at Leukaemia Foundation offices Investigate the opportunity to display an Acknowledgement Of Traditional Owners and Lands plaque at Leukaemia Foundation Head Offi ce State General s State General s & Head of Marketing & Communications June 2015 & 2016, 2017 March 2015 & 2016, 2017 CEO April Ensure our induction program for new employees includes information on our reconciliation commitment Ensure that all staff Induction Manuals are inclusive of a copy of the Innovate RAP and that the direct-line steps the staff member through the documentation and proposed cultural awareness training As a part of the induction process, all new Leukaemia Foundation employees will complete Reconciliation Australia s cultural awareness e-learning modules on the Share Our Pride ( Resources Resources January 2015 January 2015 & 2016, 2017

13 Opportunities The Leukaemia Foundation s quality support and service provision is underpinned by our incredible staff. Their local knowledge and relationships with the blood cancer communities that we service is inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are important to the Leukaemia Foundation because as an organisation we want to acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities whilst concurrently ensuring equitable access to our support services across their blood cancer journey. Action RAP deliverables Responsibility Timeline Establish a baseline record of existing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and repeat annually January 2015 & 2016, Promote and enhance employment and volunteer opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples internal and external to the Leukaemia Foundation Review HR procedures and policies to ensure that our organisation can address barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment Develop, implement and communicate an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment strategy for Leukaemia Foundation to enhance recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff March 2015 CEO February 2015 Advertise all employment/volunteer opportunities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media platforms March 2015

14 Action RAP deliverables Responsibility Timeline (...continued) 3.1 Promote and enhance employment and volunteer opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples internal and external to the Leukaemia Foundation Engage with current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees/volunteers to consult on employment strategies including professional development Ensure that all vacant advertisement positions include the phrase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are encouraged to apply February 2015 January Review the Leukaemia Foundation Procurement Plan, policy and processes so that supplier diversity principles can be incorporated and any barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses can be addressed Head of Finance & Administration March Internally promote and support supplier diversity within Leukaemia Foundation Create a plan for Leukaemia Foundation to publicly promote business opportunities available Investigate Becoming a member of Supply Nation Head of Finance & Administration Head of Finance & Administration March 2015 March 2015 Develop an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business supplier list for our organisation Head of Finance & Administration & State General s April 2015

15 Tracking and progress reporting Action RAP deliverables Responsibility Timeline 4.1 Report achievements, challenges and learning s to Reconciliation Australia for inclusion in the RAP Impact Measurement Report Complete Reconciliation Australia s RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire annually RAP Working Group July 2015, 2016, 2017 Promote and report the RAP in our annual report CEO & Head of Marketing & Communications October 2015 & 2016, Promote the Leukaemia Foundations RAP achievements and progress amongst staff and stakeholders 4.3 Refresh and Update Leukaemia Foundation RAP Provide a detailed Project Report that highlight s the Leukaemia Foundation s progress against our RAP Annually report on RAP progress to staff and stakeholders through Leukaemia Foundation communication channels and during staff meetings Head of Marketing & Communications Chief Executive Offi cer and State General s September 2015, 2016, 2017 July 2015 & 2016, 2017 Review, refresh and update Leukaemia Foundation RAP based on learnings and progress made from previous RAPs RAP Working Group July 2015 & 2016, 2017 Send draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for feedback and endorsement 15

16 16 Contact us GPO Box 9954, IN YOUR CAPITAL CITY leukaemia.org.au