Goodstart Early Learning
Commemorative RAP artwork Artwork name: Pathway Leading to Artist: Cyndy Newman, Wiradjuri woman of Condobolin NSW Medium: Acrylic on canvas Cyndy Newman s story I have been painting for more than 17 years, and I have learnt a lot of my family history and stories from my late grandparents who will remain in my memory forever. When I paint I feel like there is nothing else happening in the world around me. It takes me to the land in which I belong. I feel that every dot, stroke and symbol I paint is another piece of my heritage and history that is being documented. Sharing my heritage and personal story has truly opened me up as a proud Indigenous person. About Pathway Leading to The painting represents the journey that Goodstart is taking to recognise Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people within our services and communities. Each of the symbols is significant to the creation of the Art work. The circles symbolise meeting places, people coming together for discussions and decision making. The hands symbolise the children and the early childhood professionals who are dedicated to creating a place for belonging. The foot prints symbolise the steps Goodstart is taking to create, design and acknowledge the importance of having a. The Pathway is the important path that we will take to learning and knowledge. I would like to think that this pathway will never end, and that it will always lead to improvement. The journey along the pathway will be one of learning, and will form part of the history that is etched into Goodstart through our RAP. When I was invited to create the artwork that would commemorate the Goodstart RAP, the first thing I thought about were the Goodstart colours. To me they are inviting and cheerful. Each dot in Pathway to was painted with respect. In total there are over 4,036 dots. Cyndy Newman
Acknowledgement of Country Goodstart Early Learning acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of all Lands on which we come together. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as enduring, living cultures and pay our respects to Elders, past and present.
Contents Goodstart s Vision for 5 Foreword 6 Who is Goodstart? 7 Our 8 Relationships 10 Goodstart RAP governance process 11 Develop Relationships 12 Respect 13 Promote respectful practice 14 Opportunities 17 Employment and decision making processes 18 Develop and support sustainable learning and partnership opportunities 19 Tracking progress and reporting 20
Goodstart s Vision for 5 Goodstart s Vision for Goodstart is committed to building community partnerships based on mutual trust and respect. We recognise the unique cultural rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We respect and value the insights that we gain as we establish strong links between Goodstart and the children, families, employees and communities with whom we work. Goodstart commits to reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and all other peoples of Australia, and supports closing the disparity gap in education and employment.
Foreword 6 Foreword Statement by Julia Davison, CEO In launching this RAP we are demonstrating a strong commitment to reconciliation across all of our work, including in our governance and management structures, our communications, our partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations and through the implementation of a range of initiatives that support our goal of inclusion. In our recognition of the importance of the first five years of life, we recognise our exceptional opportunity to contribute to respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families and other Australians. This RAP is our next significant step to enabling all children and their families and communities to participate in early childhood programs. We also recognise that there is a need for specific actions to help to address the inequities in educational and employment opportunities. Statement by Michael Traill, Chairman of the Goodstart Board The Board of Goodstart Early Learning believes that reconciliation is the business of all Australians. Goodstart s is one step in our journey. Goodstart s strategic priorities commit Goodstart to developing strong and empowered centre leadership; growing and retaining our skilled and committed workforce; and reaching out to include and support more children and their families experiencing vulnerability. In each of these areas we are committed to collaborating and partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations to work towards lasting change. This will provide an environment in which we all learn from each other as we develop respectful and meaningful relationships. Michael Traill, AM, Chief Executive of SVA Julia Davidson
Who is Goodstart? 7 Who is Goodstart? Goodstart is Australia s largest early learning and care provider, caring for 73,000 children from 61,000 families across 641 centres in all states and territories of Australia. We employ over 13,000 staff and have an annual turnover of around $800 million. Goodstart currently employs 95 people who identify as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin. Goodstart was created by a partnership of four of Australia s leading charities who saw the potential of early learning to transform Australia. They wanted to address one of the key sources of many future problems poor early childhood experiences. It made perfect sense for these groups to pool their energy and invest in early learning to give Australia s children the best possible start in life. Our vision is for Australia s children to have the best possible start in life. Our mission is to provide high quality, accessible, affordable, community connected early learning in our centres, as well as partner and openly collaborate with the sector to drive change for the benefit of all children. Our three strategic goals that drive our work are to raise the quality of early learning, enable all children s access to and inclusion in early childhood programs, and ensure financial stability to generate a surplus to invest in quality and inclusion activities. Children are central to everything we do. As a not for profit social enterprise, we are reinvesting the surplus from our centres back into improving quality and access for children who are vulnerable. We are working to build stronger connections with our families, the communities in which they live, and the broader early learning sector with the aim of giving all children the chance to become successful, healthy and productive adults. As one of the biggest social enterprises in Australia, we are working to create social change by giving children access to affordable, high quality early learning. We are also building a strong and sustainable business, recognising that after the uncertainty caused by ABC going into receivership, organisational stability is essential to the delivery of our ambitious mission.
Our 8 Our Our (RAP) will support Goodstart s commitment to become an organisation where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children will experience respectful relationships and participate in experiences that authentically consider the histories and cultures of Traditional Custodians, and where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees experience respect and equity in employment and mutually beneficial opportunities. Through our RAP we will promote the development of appropriate and relevant resources that will improve cross cultural awareness and understanding to strengthen engagement and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and community members in Goodstart s early learning programs, the early learning sector workforce, and our tertiary study programs. On May 27, 2013, during National Week, Goodstart CEO Julia Davison signed a Statement of Commitment to create the actions, establish timelines, and identify the targets to be included in Goodstart s Innovate RAP. In October 2013, Goodstart, with guidance from Australia, conducted a RAP Barometer Survey and Questionnaire to understand our current practices in early education, employment and tertiary study programs, and the relationships and partnerships between Goodstart and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, communities, businesses and suppliers. The Goodstart RAP Core Group was responsible for drafting and developing the Goodstart Innovate RAP. This group was formed in May 2012 and included Goodstart delegates Jayne Kinley, Senior Advisor Families and Communities, Kathryn Rendell, Social Inclusion Coordination Queensland, and Rhiannon Williams Social Inclusion Coordinator Victoria. The RAP Core Group established a consultation and governance framework that includes both internal and external Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives and peoples from the broader Australian community to inform the development and enactment of authentic actions and opportunities leading to sustainable outcomes for all our children, families, employees and communities associated with Goodstart, and support our genuine commitment to. The RAP Core Group identified and progressed the work involved in developing our RAP, through liaison with internal and external Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, and other Australian stakeholders and consultants. The Core Group prepared recommendations to the Goodstart RAP Committee and the Goodstart Executive (ExCo). On endorsement of the Goodstart by Australia in July 2014, the RAP Core Group fulfilled its responsibility and was dissolved. The Goodstart RAP Foundation Group was formed in September 2012 to identify work for consultation, and review recommendations of the RAP
Our 9 Core Group and the Goodstart RAP Consultation Group. This group made decisions about work to be actioned, and prepared recommendations to ExCo and the Goodstart Board, and included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives. Goodstart delegates were the Director Early Learning and Research; Deputy Director Research; National Senior Advisors Families and Communities, and Inclusive Practice; State based Social Inclusion Coordinators Victoria and Queensland; State Manager Western Australia; Corporate Manager People and Culture; Safe Work and Wellbeing Manager Risk and Governance; Academic Coordinator Goodstart Institute of Early Learning; Early Learning Centre Director ACT; and Family Support Officer Strategic Communications. External delegate, Steve Cochran, Aboriginal Elder, Gumbamderah, supported the development of our RAP through his wisdom and experience. The Goodstart RAP Foundation Group handed responsibility for driving and monitoring the actions, targets and timelines of the Goodstart to the Goodstart RAP Committee in July 2014. Committee delegates are key Goodstart RAP stakeholders including representatives from People and Culture, Early Learning and Research, Operations, Strategy, Risk and Governance and Strategic Communications. This group includes and consults with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and other community representatives. The Goodstart RAP Consultation Group has internal and external representation which includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians and met for the first time in April 2013. Delegates review options for consideration and have formed recommendations to the previous RAP Foundation Group about specific and broader issues related to the development of our RAP. This Group will continue to offer recommendations to the Goodstart RAP Committee and will include expertise that will support the administration of our RAP. Membership of the Goodstart RAP Consultation Group is reviewed annually and has included external delegates Steve Cochran, Aboriginal Elder, Gumbamderah; Karen Dawson Sinclair, CEO, Gannyjuu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation; and Helen Francis, Project Manager Protecting and Nurturing Children, Australian Centre for Child Protection. Internal delegates have included Director Early Learning and Research; National Senior Advisors Families and Communities, and Inclusive Practice; State based Social Inclusion Coordinators Victoria and Queensland; Deputy Director Research; National Academic Coordinator Goodstart Institute of Early Learning; National Quality Manager; State Manager Victoria; Early Learning Centre Director Kambah ACT; Corporate Manager People and Culture; Safe Work and Wellbeing Manager; Insurance Officer, Risk and Governance; Early Learning Consultant NSW; Area Managers Sunshine Coast, Far North Queensland, and Tasmania; Learning and Development Special Projects; General Manager Property; and Facilities Manager Victoria and Tasmania. The consultation framework also includes our Critical Friends who are internal and external consultants with specific expertise in content and process to inform the development and enactment of the actions, targets and timelines of the Goodstart RAP. Consultants include individual Goodstart employees, representatives from Australia, ARCHAEO Cultural Heritage Services, ANU National Centre for Indigenous Studies, Centre for Indigenous Australian Education & Research, the Winnam Aboriginal Corporation, Griffith Local Aboriginal Land Council, Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Child Care (SNAICC), Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in Early Childhood (EATSIPEC), the National Gallery of Australia, Ngroo Education Inc., and Gannyjuu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation.
Relationships Goodstart recognises the importance of establishing respectful and trusting relationships. We believe through building positive relationships and cooperative partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples we will contribute to strengthening essential knowledge and understanding to create environments and programs that support the wellbeing, education and care of all children, families, employees and students at Goodstart.
Relationships 11 Goodstart RAP governance process Goodstart develops and implements authentic consultation and governance processes to inform, guide and administer the development, enactment and progress of the RAP. Strategy/Task Action Responsibility Timeline Target Develop the Goodstart (RAP) 1.1 Goodstart RAP Committee actively monitors RAP development, including implementation of actions, tracking progress and reporting Goodstart ExCo and Chair Goodstart RAP Committee July 2014 October 2014, 2015 and 2016 October 2014, 2015 and 2016 Goodstart RAP Committee to continue the work of the RAP Foundation Group upon endorsement of the Goodstart Innovate RAP Meet quarterly to monitor and report on RAP implementation Consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and stakeholders for RAP input and strategic advice in enacting and monitoring our RAP Promote our RAP 1.2 Communicate Goodstart s RAP to all internal employees and external stakeholders to promote and raise awareness of our commitment to reconciliation General Manager Strategic Communications December 2014 December 2014 July 2014 December 2016 The RAP is accessible to internal and external stakeholders through Goodstart Intranet, Goodstart internet and Australia websites. Develop and implement a communication system for feedback, comments and questions about the Goodstart RAP. Promote the Goodstart RAP to networks including employees, families, communities, businesses, and government. RAP launch Goodstart Intranet Goodstart Internet News2You External media releases
Relationships 12 Develop Relationships Goodstart supports and promotes strong relationships and the value of establishing mutually respectful partnerships for learning with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations. Strategy/Task Action Responsibility Timeline Target Engage with and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and cultural expertise 1.3 Goodstart engages with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, stakeholder and communities State Managers July 2015 Each Region to develop a list of key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education experts, performers, artisans, community leaders, and/or speakers to engage with in creating culturally respectful centre programs for children and families. Each region to engage on at least two occasions per year with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education experts, performers, artisans, community leaders, and/or speakers identified for support or strategic advice 1.4 Goodstart to participate in and support National Week (NRW) and other events/ celebrations that promote stronger relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians Goodstart RAP Committee and State Managers 27th May 3rd June 2015, 2016 April 2015 4 August 2014, 2015, 2016 Organise at least one internal NRW event in each Goodstart state and territory office each year Investigate and develop a plan to explore and promote Goodstart NRW and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children s Day events in external Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander calendars. Organise at least one internal event in each Goodstart state and territory office annually to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children s Day
Respect Respecting, valuing and authentically acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples cultures, histories and achievements is fundamental to Australia s journey and shared pride. Goodstart is commited to offering accessible and community connected education, care and employment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
Respect 14 Promote respectful practice Goodstart promotes organisational awareness and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, customs, histories and protocols. Strategy/Task Action Responsibility Timeline Target Celebrating and encouraging participation in NAIDOC Week events 2.1 Goodstart to celebrate and participate in NAIDOC Week events General Manager People and Culture; General Manager Risk and Governance Goodstart RAP Committee; and General Manager People and Culture July 2015 1st Sunday to the 2nd Sunday July 2014, 2015 and 2016 Review People and Culture policies and procedures to ensure there are no barriers to staff participating in NAIDOC. Provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, Goodstart RAP Committee and encourage Senior Management and other employees to participate in local NAIDOC Week events. Goodstart RAP Committee and State Managers July 2015 and 2016 Organise at least one internal event in each Goodstart state and territory office annually to celebrate NAIDOC Week Goodstart RAP Committee Investigate and develop a plan to explore and promote Goodstart NAIDOC events in external Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander calendars.
Respect 15 Strengthen capability of Goodstart employees 2.2 Engage Goodstart employees in cultural learning opportunities to increase understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples histories, cultures and achievements Goodstart RAP Committee and General Managers and Directors Goodstart RAP Committee and General Manager People and Culture; State Managers July 2015 (ongoing) July 2015 Develop and pilot a cultural awareness training strategy for Goodstart. In particular, provide opportunities for Goodstart RAP Committee members, RAP Champions, People and Culture Managers and other key Goodstart leadership to participate in training. Investigate and develop a plan to provide Goodstart employees with additional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural learning opportunities and resources General Manager People and Culture July 2015 The Goodstart employee induction process includes awareness of Goodstart s RAP commitments and a copy of Goodstart RAP for new employees. 2.3 Goodstart will engage employees in the cultural protocols around Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country ceremonies to promote understanding and shared meaning behind these ceremonies. Chair of Goodstart RAP Committee July 2015 Develop, implement and communicate a cultural protocol document for Goodstart. State Managers Identify at least one significant event associated with each state centre support office for which a Welcome to Country from a local Traditional Custodian will be included. CEO/delegate July 2015 Provide an Acknowledgment of Country at the beginning of Goodstart ExCo meetings and corporate events State Managers Goodstart early learning environments and programs respectfully Acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures and protocols. Chief Operations Officer General Manager Strategic Communications December 2014 State Managers utilise expert advice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education experiences through ongoing relationships to ensure authentic engagement of Traditional Custodians cultures in early learning programs. Ensure Acknowledgment of Country statement is set out on the home page of the Goodstart website
Respect 16 Develop respectful practices 2.4 Strengthen respectful practice capabilities of Goodstart employees and organisation. Chair of Goodstart RAP Committee and RAP Professional Knowledge Working Group July 2015 An online professional resource is available to Goodstart employees. The online resource includes: Access to information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols Promising practice profiles Respectful Practice Guides The online resource tool is reviewed annually.
Opportunities Goodstart is committed to contributing towards employment and supplier diversity opportunities that promote collaboration between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians, to share learning, strengthen knowledge build the capability of our workforce, and promote real change for the benefit of our children, families, employees and communities.
Opportunities 18 Employment and decision making processes Goodstart promotes equity in employment and includes the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in employment decision making processes. Strategy/Task Action Responsibility Timeline Target Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in policy review processes 3.1 Goodstart to explore opportunities to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in the process of policy development and review. General Manager Risk and Governance Goodstart consults with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities in policy development and review decisions. Develop and implement a strategy to sustain a system to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in policy development processes. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment and retention 3.2 Investigate opportunities within Goodstart to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment opportunities. General Manager People and Culture June 2015 July 2015 June 2015 Scope and develop a business case for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment within Goodstart Review current recruitment and retention policies and procedures for engaging and sustaining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in the workforce Develop and implement a plan to engage with external Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment consultants. July 2015 Engage with existing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to consult on employment strategies, including professional development. Develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment strategy July 2015 Advertise all vacancies in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media.
Opportunities 19 Develop and support sustainable learning and partnership opportunities Goodstart reviews systems and processes in employment, vocational education programs, professional learning and business initiatives. Strategy/Task Action Responsibility Timeline Target Employee engagement and retention 3.4 Investigate to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarships initiative General Manager People and Culture; Deputy Director Professional Learning Scope and develop a business case for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traineeships, apprenticeships and scholarships. Review current processes to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarships, and traineeship and apprenticeship opportunities. Recognise supplier diversity. 3.5 General Manager Finance July 2015 Develop a business case for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity. Investigate opportunities to increase supplier diversity within Goodstart July 2015 Review current centre based procurement policies and procedures to ensure there are no barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses Develop a plan for Goodstart to publically promote available business opportunities. Review and reform procurement strategy, policy and processes so that supplier diversity principles can be incorporate into our procurement strategies. Investigate becoming a member of Supply Nation Local RAP initiatives 3.6 Goodstart promotes and supports local Goodstart centre based RAP development, enactment and administration and associated initiatives. Goodstart RAP Committee and State Managers All Goodstart Early Learning centres to investigate participating in Australia s School RAP program.
Tracking progress and reporting
Tracking progress and reporting 21 Action Responsibility Timeline MEASURABLE Target 4.1 Chair Goodstart RAP Committee July 2015 and 2016 Goodstart RAP Barometer Survey and Questionnaire Measure and report tracking and progress of Goodstart RAP and inform future actions, targets and timelines of the RAP. 30th September 2015 and 2016 Complete and submit the RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire to Australia annually 4.2 Chair Goodstart RAP Committee October 2015 and 2016 Develop and provide RAP progress report to Goodstart Board Report progress of RAP initiatives Bi annually to: October 2015 and 2016 Develop a report to Goodstart ExCo that documents progress against RAP commitments Goodstart Board November 2015 Provide Intranet updates to Goodstart employees of RAP progress Goodstart Executive Whole of organisation 4.3 Refresh Goodstart Early Learning RAP Chair Goodstart RAP Committee November 2016 Review, refresh and update Goodstart RAP based on learnings, achievements and challenges, and forward to Australia for review and endorsement
RAP contact details Goodstart Action Plan Foundation Group reconciliation@goodstart.org.au Jayne Kinley, Senior Advisor Families and Communities phone 07 39063151 email jkinley@goodstart.org.au