Staffing Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) and Diversity Policy Policy Number 5.3 Link to CCQA Principles QIAS Quality Practices Guide 2005 Principles 1.6, 2.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 Rationale Blackmans Bay Childrens Services is wholly committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. In all policies and practices relating to the appointment and retention of staff employed by Blackmans Bay Childrens Services, selection of individuals for employment, promotion or advancement, training and staff development will be on the basis of individual merit in a fair and equitable manner, according to the skills, qualifications and knowledge required of a position taking into account the needs of the organisation. Blackmans Bay Childrens Services Policy on Equal Employment Opportunity reflects our desire to provide a workplace free of discrimination or harassment and where each person has the opportunity to progress to the extent of their ability. Policy Blackmans Bay Childrens Services is committed to creating a working environment that values and utilises the contribution of its employees from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Blackmans Bay Childrens Services recognises that all people have different qualities, skills, qualifications, perspectives, experiences and attitudes to work and valuing and embracing these differences can improve the workplace for individuals and enhance the overall performance of Blackmans Bay Childrens Services. The EEO and Diversity Policy is a commitment by Blackmans Bay Childrens Services to create a workplace that is fair and inclusive, and to build a workforce which reflects the diversity of our employees and the Kingborough community. We recognise that in order to be successful, we must employ and retain a variety of people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Our commitment and awareness of diversity is reflected in our culture, policies and practices. Blackmans Bay Childrens Services acknowledges and is committed to fostering good internal and external relationships by ensuring that the diversity and equal employment opportunity that exists among our workforce, clients and the community is safeguarded and acknowledged. The principles of EEO remain an important foundation for this Policy, plans and implantation strategies. The EEO principles aim to ensure that staff are selected for positions on merit, as well as being provided with equitable access to employment, professional development and workplace participation. 2/-
Objective The EEO and Diversity Policy is a commitment by Blackmans Bay Childrens Services to create a workplace that is fair and inclusive and builds a workforce which better reflects the diversity of our employees and the Kingborough community. Blackmans Bay Childrens Services appreciates the value inherent in a diverse workforce. Diversity may result in factors such as origin, age, gender, race, cultural heritage, lifestyle, education, language, appearance, physical ability or other factors. Blackmans Bay Childrens Services values the difference between people and the contribution these differences make to our service. The EEO and Diversity Policy provides guidance for the development and implementation of relevant plans, programs and initiatives to recognise and promote workforce diversity across all work areas of Blackmans Bay Childrens Services The EEO and Diversity Policy provide a framework for Blackmans Bay Childrens Services to achieve: A skilled workforce that reflects the diversity of our employees and the wider Kingborough community and leads to continuous improvement in service delivery. A work environment that values and utilises the contributions of employees with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives through improved awareness of the benefits of workforce diversity and successful management of diversity. Awareness for all staff of their rights and responsibilities with regards to fairness, equity and respect for all aspects of diversity The active management of diversity to ensure we proactively utilise the difference that exist in order to improve our business and how we deal with customers/stakeholders by seeking to accommodate the uniqueness of many different employees and customers/stakeholders. An opportunity for Blackmans Bay Childrens Services to embrace workforce diversity as a source of strength. This is not only about increasing visible differences in the workforce, but more importantly it is about the strategic advantage that comes from incorporating a wide variety of capabilities, ideas and insights in our decision making, problem solving and policy development. Procedure: Blackmans Bay Childrens Services Employment Practices Blackmans Bay Childrens Services is committed to achieving fair and equitable practices in all areas of employment including: 2/-
Recruitment, selection and promotion practices which are open, competitive and based on merit Access for all employees to training and development Grievance handling procedures that are accessible and deal with workplace complaints promptly, fairly and confidentially Communication processes which give employees access to information and allow their view to be heard Management decision which are fair and responsible We are also committed to ensuring that: Our workplace policies and practices are fair and equitable; All employees are valued and respected and have opportunities to achieve their full potential Our workforce reflects the diversity of the community we serve It is the responsibility of the Board, CEO and co-ordinators to create an environment where: There is tolerance of difference. Blackmans Bay Childrens Services will ensure that all employees are treated fairly and with respect and dignity The ability to contribute to the access opportunities is based on merit. Blackmans Bay Childrens Services will adopt and actively encourage those practices and procedures that enable employees to contribute to the best of their ability and Inappropriate attitudes or behaviours are confronted. Blackmans Bay Childrens Services will treat seriously any instance of inappropriate behaviour and confront attitudes based on inappropriate stereotypes In delivering this policy and our commitment to diversity, we will: Communicate Blackmans Bay Childrens Services EEO and Diversity Policy and procedures to all employees and stakeholders as appropriate; Ensure that all employees have equal access to employment opportunities within the workplace; Treat all employees fairly and with respect; Encourage and facilitate employment and promotion from groups recognised under Equal Employment Opportunity related legislation; and Review employment practices to ensure flexibility to meet the changing needs our employees 3/-
EEO, Diversity and Our Employees In order for this policy to operate, it is essential that each employee is responsible for the creation of a respectful and tolerant workplace. For Blackmans Bay Childrens Services to effectively implement the principles of EEO and Diversity, all employees must actively participate. All staff have an obligation to support and respect equity, workplace diversity and ethical practices in their workplaces. Blackmans Bay Childrens Services expects employees to: Comply with this policy in the workplace; Attend EEO and diversity awareness training when made available Understand and comply with our EEO and Diversity policies and procedures; Willingly adapt behaviours (if required) to ensure appropriate workplace conduct; Show a duty of care to fellow employees and report any incidents which may break Blackmans Bay Childrens Services policies Blackmans Bay employees can contribute to a culture of diversity on a day to day basis by: Treating colleagues and members of the community fairly and with respect Valuing the different contributions people can make to our teams Meeting organisational needs through the effective implementation of flexible work practices Lack of respect for diversity If employees experience or observe discriminatory or racist behavior or practices whilst at work, they are encouraged to address the matter at the local level before it escalates and/or report the matter to the appropriate person. The Code of Conduct and Counselling and Discipline Policy outline the process for reporting and managing inappropriate or unlawful behavior. Guiding Principles Blackmans Bay Childrens Services is committed to ensuring that all employees are treated on the basis of merit and in accordance with their different needs and circumstances. Employees are encouraged to follow the principles of equity and diversity within their everyday dealings with each other. This will result in a more cohesive workforce, thereby enhancing operational capability and effectiveness to achieve organisation outcomes. The EEO and Diversity Policy provides guidance for the development and implementation of relevant plans, programs and initiatives to recognise and promote workforce diversity across all work areas of Blackmans Bay Childrens Services..4/-
Definitions: Equity:- is about fairness. It is about providing everyone with a fair and safe workplace in which they have opportunities to develop, contribute and advance in Equal Employment Opportunity with their peers. Diversity:- is about inclusiveness. It means that differences brought to the organisation by people of divergent backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are valued and respected. Diversity is a broad spectrum and other dimensions include: age diversity, family responsibilities, marital status, sexual orientation, educational level, life experience and socio-economic background, beliefs, attitudes, social, cultural, political and religious backgrounds. Diversity also refers to the other ways in which people are different, such as educational level, life experience, work experience, socio-economic background, personality and marital status. Discrimination:- is when a person or group is treated less favourably than another person or group because of a particular characteristic or attribute. Links to other Policies: Anti-Discrimination Policy Developed in consultation with Staff, Families and Board of Directors References: Federal Legislation: Disability Discrimination Act 1992 Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986 Racial Discrimination Act 1975 Sex Discrimination Act 1984 Fair work Act 2009 Equal Employment Opportunity Act 1984 State Legislation: Anti-Discrimination Act 1998 Reviewed: Jan 2009 Next Review: Jan 2012 Review: This policy will be updated when: Changes are made to regulations or legislation We become aware of information indicating that best practice requires us to make alterations to our existing policy As part of the services normal policy review cycle of three years