RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN

Transcription

1 JULY JULY 2019 RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN INNOVATE

2 INTRODUCTION Carers ACT is delighted to introduce its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), in which we commit to a series of actions designed to actively and practically demonstrate respect and support for Aboriginal and Torres peoples and their culture. Reconciliation involves building positive, respectful relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres peoples for the benefit of all Australians. To create positive change, Carers ACT is committed to action towards meaningful reconciliation. This Reconciliation Action Plan is designed to promote Carers ACT s commitment to supporting and recognising both clients and staff of culture and heritage. As a provider of carer services in the ACT, Southern Highlands and Illawarra, Carers ACT is conscious of the particular needs of Aboriginal and Torres families and carers and the unique caring journey which each individual experiences. The organisation will work actively to ensure that carers have a voice in informing how carer services can best be shaped and delivered, to provide the support they need. Importantly, the organisation seeks to promote itself as a welcoming and inclusive one, which Aboriginal and Torres peoples will recognise as a genuinely supportive and helpful service provider for their specific needs. We are proud to present the Carers ACT Reconciliation Action Plan and look forward to achieving genuine change for Aboriginal and Torres peoples. Richard Bialkowski Chairperson Lisa Kelly CEO

3 OUR VISION Carers ACT s vision for reconciliation is to be part of a community which celebrates diversity, upholds equality and recognises and respects peoples as the First Australians. We will have reduced barriers and ensured peoples have access to services, information and supports that are culturally appropriate and that meet their needs. We are committed to building a better Australia in which carers can live, work, socialise and care equally. We will work actively to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres carers have a voice in informing how carer services can best be shaped and delivered, to provide the support they need.

4 OUR BUSINESS Carers are people who provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, drug or alcohol issues or who are elderly. Carers ACT is a non-government, not-for-profit association and peak body for ACT s almost 50,000 carers since We operate with a budget of more than $6 million providing support to over 7,000 carers each year in the ACT and regions in south east New South Wales so they enjoy better health, wellbeing, resilience and financial security. Through outreach and engagement within the local Strait Islander communities, Carers ACT actively seeks to support more carers in this community. Location Carers ACT is situated on the traditional land of the Ngunnawal people. In the Southern Highlands our facilities are located on the traditional land of the Gundungurra and Tharawal people. We also provide services in the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri, Ngarigo and Yuin people and acknowledge the many different nation groups / traditional owners in the broader Canberra and surrounding region Services Information and advice Counselling and support groups Respite - both centre-based and flexible Programs and support for specific carer groups Educational and social activities Campaigning for change in support of carers and the people they care for Disability and aged care services for people with care needs Individual advocacy services for family carers, kinship and foster carers Staff We currently have a staff of 70 dedicated and experienced professionals who share a passion for improving carers lives. There are two staff members and one board member at the time of publishing who identify as Aboriginal. Of these 70 staff, 29 are involved in directly delivering services to carers (mainly from our Holt office) and work closely with our Strait Islander. The remainder of our staff are involved in providing information, referrals and linkages for carers; policy, research and advocacy; event planning; communications; and corporate services. Carers ACT is governed by a committed and skilled board of eight directors, most of whom have had personal caregiving experience, and are elected by members.

5 OUR RAP O ur first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) has been developed by the Carers ACT RAP Working Group in collaboration and consultation with Elders and representatives, and our RAP Champion, Barbara Causon, who is a Wiradjuri woman and a Carers ACT board director. This RAP represents a formal commitment by Carers ACT to practical actions and social change which will contribute to the reconciliation movement. Commitments are made to staff, to carers, to clients of our direct services and to the community at large. They are genuine commitments designed to acknowledge and respect people and the contribution they make to our community. The Reconciliation Action Plan is a key component of the Carers ACT overall planning process and will be linked to and reported against as a part of the annual Business Plan. Its aim is to grow mutually beneficial and sustainable relationships with Aboriginal and Torres peoples, communities and organisations, and to provide them with ongoing opportunities in care, employment and business. We look forward to achieving the goals of our RAP and recognise that the process of implementation will be a learning journey for our staff where we listen, learn, communicate and grow together as we set foot on the path of reconciliation. RAP Working Group Barbara Causon Donna Maritz Leanne Troth Sharon Scott Colleen Sheen Luke Cookson Eva Hickman (Board Director, RAP Champion and a Wiradjuri woman) ( and a Wiradjuri woman) (NDIS Support and a Wiradjuri woman) (Team Leader) (Senior Policy Advisor) (Young Carers ) (Communications )

6 RELATIONSHIPS Carers ACT strives to be an effective service provider to carers and their families by fostering long-term collaborative partnerships and meaningful relationships with Strait Islander community groups, stakeholders, business and staff, based on trust and respect. Action Responsibility Timeline Target Launch RAP and maintain a RAP Working Group (RWG) to actively monitor progress of the RAP. CEO Jul 2017 CEO Jul 2017 RWG to oversee the development, endorsement and launch of the RAP. Ensure peoples are represented on the RWG. RAP Champion Nov 2017, 2018 RAP Champion to meet with RWG at least once a year to discuss progress of RAP. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct annually RWG to meet four times a year to monitor and report on RAP implementation. CEO Jul 2017 RWG to establish Terms of Reference. Support and encourage the celebration of National Reconciliation Week (NRW) activities to help staff build relationships with peoples and learn more about their culture. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communications May 2018, 2019 May 2018, 2019 May 2018, 2019 Organise at least one internal event for NRW each year and invite an Strait Islander guest speaker. Support an external NRW event. Promote our NRW event on Reconciliation Australia s NRW website and other social media. CEO May 2018, 2019 RWG to attend an external NRW event and provide opportunities for other staff to attend (where feasible) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander May 2018, 2019 Circulate Reconciliation Australia s NRW resources to staff.

7 Develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with peoples, communities and organisations to support positive outcomes Jul 2018 CEO Jul 2018 Develop a list of communities, organisations and stakeholders within our sphere of influence. Meet with local organisations to develop and implement guiding principles and plan for future engagement processes with our Aboriginal stakeholders. CEO Feb 2019 Establish a network with Aboriginal Liaison s in other organisations to guide/support holistic service planning and delivery. CEO Jun 2018, 2019 Ensure RAP actions link to Strategic Plan and Business Plan Senior Policy Advisor Aug 2017, 2018 Ensure carers are represented on focus groups (such as the Aboriginal Elders Nanny s Group) which assist in policy submissions to the ACT and Federal Governments. Raise internal and external awareness of our RAP to promote reconciliation across our business and sector Communications Jul 2017 CEO Jul 2017 CEO Jul 2017 Develop and implement a strategy to communicate our RAP to all internal and external stakeholders. Share our RAP with the National Network of Carer Associations. Share our RAP with our funding bodies, service providers and community partners. Aug 2017 Present and promote our RAP to all relevant areas of our organisation through our intranet and staff meetings to ensure all staff understand how they can contribute to reconciliation HR Manager Jul 2017, 2018 Include RAP document as part of each staff s Induction Pack when commencing work. July 2017, 2018 Promote reconciliation through ongoing active engagement with all stakeholders, in conjunction with all staff. July 2017, 2018 Continue to regularly consult with Aboriginal and Torres representatives to ensure actions and targets in the RAP are being met in the most culturally appropriate manner.

8 RESPECT Carers ACT strives to foster a culture of respect, acceptance and acknowledgement of Strait Islander cultures, achievements, experiences and history as we believe this is the key to better working relationships and a welcoming environment for carers and their families. Action Responsibility Timeline Target Engage employees in cultural learning opportunities to increase understanding and appreciation of peoples, cultures and histories. HR Manager Dec 2017 HR Manager Dec 2018 Develop and implement a mandatory cultural awareness training strategy for all staff in collaboration with local Traditional Owners and consultants. Provide opportunities for RWG members, our RAP Champion, HR Manager and other key leadership to participate in cultural training. HR Manager Jul % of staff to be trained in cultural awareness by 30 June HR Manager Dec 2017 Ensure training is delivered in a variety of modes (such as online, face-to-face, group sessions and cultural immersion) to maximise staff engagement. CEO Dec 2017 Incorporate cultural awareness goals in all our organisational policies. Dec 2017 Plan four internal or external activities which share knowledge and information about local Aboriginal culture. Dec 2017, 2018 Create awareness of Strait Islander cultures via staff intranet. Chief Operations Dec 2017 Purchase and display Strait Islander signage and flags at all sites. Chief Operations Dec 2017 Display artwork at all Carer ACT sites, sourced from local artists and our Nguluway Carers Cultural Group.

9 Engage employees in understanding the significance of Aboriginal and Torres cultural protocols, such as Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country. Chief Operations Sept 2017 CEO Sept 2017 Develop, implement and communicate a cultural protocol document for Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country in consultation with peoples/representative bodies. Ensure all senior staff are able to provide an Acknowledgement of Country at external and internal events. Jul 2017 Develop a list of key contacts for organising a Welcome to Country and maintaining respectful partnerships. Jun 2018, 2019 Invite Traditional Owners to provide a Welcome to Country at significant events (such as our Reconciliation Week lunch and Yarning Trips). Jul 2017 Develop and implement a plan to raise awareness and understanding of the meaning and significance behind Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country protocols CEO Jul 2017 Ensure that Acknowledgement of Country precedes all Board and significant staff meetings and all public events. Communications Jul 2017 Include an Acknowledgement of Country on our website. Celebrate Aboriginal and Torres peoples and culture through NAIDOC Week first week of July each year CEO Jul 2017, 2018 Communications Jul 2017, 2018 Provide opportunities for all Aboriginal staff to participate with their communities and cultures during NAIDOC Week. Promote NAIDOC Week activities through our media channels. CEO Jul 2017, 2018 Provide opportunities for all staff to participate in NAIDOC Week activities. HR Manager Jul 2017 Review HR policies to ensure there are no barriers to staff participating in NAIDOC Week. Jul annually Raise awareness amongst staff through staff meetings and intranet of the meaning of NAIDOC Week and include information about local peoples and culture.

10 Jul annually Look for opportunities to attend and/or partner with other organisations during NAIDOC (such as the annual NAIDOC By the Lake event). Investigate opportunities to provide culturally appropriate services CEO Oct 2017 Ensure our services providers and community partners are aware of the cultural needs of our Aboriginal and Torres carers. Team Leader, Advocacy Services Jul 2017 Appoint an carer to be a kinship advocate expert for our Kinship and Foster Carer Advocacy Program Jul 2017, 2018 Seek to engage an support worker when booking respite care. HR Manager Dec 2017 Ensure counsellors are aware of and trained in culturally appropriate counselling services for carers.

11 OPPORTUNITIES Carers ACT continually seeks to explore new opportunities to improve business practices with the wider Aboriginal and Torres communities, provide a culture of opportunity for our staff and carers, and build the cultural diversity of our organisation. Action Responsibility Timeline Target Investigate opportunities to improve and increase employment within Carers ACT. HR Manager Feb 2018 HR Manager Feb 2018 Develop and implement an Employment and Retention Strategy, in consultation with external Aboriginal peoples and/or consultants and existing Aboriginal and Torres staff. Engage with existing Strait Islander staff to consult on employment strategies, including professional development. HR Manager Feb 2018, 2019 Collect employment data on our current Aboriginal and Torres staff to inform future employment opportunities. HR Manager Jul 2018 Establish recruitment relationships with appropriate networks and advertise all vacancies through these networks. HR Manager Sept 2017 Review HR and recruitment procedures and policies to ensure there are no barriers to Aboriginal and Torres employees and future applicants participating in Carers ACT. HR Manager Jul 2017 Include in all job advertisements, Aboriginal and Torres people are encouraged to apply. Investigate opportunities to incorporate Aboriginal and Torres supplier diversity within our organisation Chief Operations Chief Operations Dec 2017 Dec 2017 Review procurement policies and procedures to identify barriers to Strait Islander suppliers. Develop and communicate to staff a list of businesses that can be used to procure goods and services. Include them on Carers ACT list of preferred providers. Chief Operations Dec 2017 Develop guidelines on how to procure goods and services through Strait Islander businesses.

12 Chief Operations Mar 2018 Develop at least one commercial relationship with an -owned business. Chief Operations Mar 2018 Investigate Supply Nation membership. Investigate opportunities for carers to have improved access to our services Aboriginal and Torres Sept 2017, 2018 Convene an annual workshop with Aboriginal and Torres carers and service representatives to develop strategies to help carers better access our services. Programs Oct 2017, 2018 Ensure at least 5% of places for all Carers ACT upcoming advertised events are reserved for people. Communications Jul 2017, 2018 Ensure the section on our website is regularly updated with information, resources and advice to help support Indigenous carers in their caring role. Jul 2017, 2018 Employ traditional mail delivery methods for information dissemination to carers in addition to digital means. Investigate opportunities to improve education for young carers Young Carers Young Carers Feb 2018, 2019 Mar 2018, 2019 Provide financial assistance with school expenses, resources and activities. Liaise with school Indigenous liaison officers and teachers to develop special provisions for Aboriginal and Torres young carers that recognise their caring commitments.

13 TRACKING REPORTING & PROGRESS Carers ACT seeks to effectively track progress of its target actions through active and regular monitoring, reporting and feedback; and looks forward to refreshing and updating its next RAP based on the lessons and challenges experienced through our first RAP journey. Action Responsibility Timeline Target Report RAP achievements, challenges and learnings to Reconciliation Australia CEO Apr annually Complete and submit RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire to Reconciliation Australia annually. CEO Apr 2019 Investigate participating in the RAP Barometer. Report RAP achievements, challenges and learnings internally and externally Jan, April, Jul, Oct, annually Ensure RAP is a standing agenda item on all quarterly staff meetings. CEO Jan, April, Jul, Oct, annually Report to Board each quarter. CEO Jul annually Publically report our RAP achievements, challenges and learning through our annual report, newsletters and website. Communications Jan, April, Jul, Oct, annually Promote our RAP achievements in social, digital and print media Refresh and update RAP HR Manager Feb annually As part of staff surveys/evaluation processes, and in collaboration with Reconciliation Australia, measure staff understanding of Strait Islander peoples and culture to guide formation of actions in next RAP. CEO Feb 2019 Review, refresh and update our RAP based on learnings, challenges and achievements in CEO Mar 2019 Send draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for review and feedback. CEO May 2019 Submit draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for formal endorsement.

14 Lisa Kelly Chief Executive 2/80 Beaurepaire Crescent, Holt ACT Front cover image Meeting Place by David Ford Carers ACT Nguluway Cultural Group