reconciliation action plan - life without barriers · 2014-08-21 · reconciliation action plan...

REconciLiAtion Action PLAn

2012 – 2015

Reconciliation must live in the hearts and minds of all Australians

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this publication may contain images or content relating to deceased persons.

RecoNciLiAtioN ActioN PLAN 2012 - 2015 • Page 1

Life Without Barriers believes that Reconciliation must live in the hearts and minds of all Australians. As a nation we need to work together to close the gap in life expectancy by improving the cultural, spiritual and emotional well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Our Reconciliation Statement

Our vision for Reconciliation is to recognise, respect and advance the inherent rights, cultures and traditions of Aboriginal and torres Strait islander peoples and communities. Through a shared journey we will continue to work together to close the unacceptable gap in life expectancy and ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have the same life opportunities as other Australians. Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that requires our constant attention to what respect, relationships and opportunities mean to Aboriginal and torres Strait islander peoples. We will ensure Reconciliation is alive in Life Without Barriers and in the broader community by increasing our understanding and appreciation, being accountable and taking action and responsibility for change.

Our Vision for Reconciliation

Page 2 • RecoNciLiAtioN ActioN PLAN 2012 – 2015

RecoNciLiAtioN ActioN PLAN 2012 – 2015 • Page 3

Embracing Reconciliation and Engaging with Honesty

Life Without Barriers joins with Aboriginal and torres Strait islander communities and the broader Australian community on the journey to Reconciliation. We acknowledge Aboriginal and torres Strait islander peoples as the original custodians of this land and we know that all Australians can be proud of our unique connection to the world’s oldest living culture. We recognise the unique status of Aboriginal people as the first Australians through our governance, management, planning, service delivery and the relationships we build.

in embracing Reconciliation, we are honest about the challenges and the struggles, honest about where we have come from and honest about what is required to move forward on this journey. Life Without Barriers values and enacts transparent and clear processes that are understood by both Aboriginal and torres Strait islander peoples and other Australians. As an organisation we acknowledge the significance of this Reconciliation journey and aim to bring people together with openness and shared objectives.

Acknowledging Impact and Building Respectful Partnerships

We understand that the well-being of Aboriginal and torres Strait islander peoples is intrinsically linked to land, law, spirituality and culture, and recognise the profound negative consequences of marginalisation in the community. We acknowledge the impact of past and present laws, policies and actions on Aboriginal and torres Strait islander peoples and the grief and sense of loss resulting from dispossession and the stolen generations. When working with Aboriginal and torres Strait islander peoples we listen respectfully and are guided by them in our commitment to working together, at individual and community levels, to address this impact.

Life Without Barriers is renowned for its flexibility, innovation and strong community focus. Key to our Reconciliation Action Plan is our multidimensional, holistic and accountable approach to working with Aboriginal and torres Strait islander peoples. We are focused on forming respectful partnerships with Aboriginal and torres Strait islander peoples, communities, and organisations, based on an appreciation of the strengths and opportunities that we can share, both on our Reconciliation journey and through our pursuit of outcomes for individuals, families and their communities.

Our Commitment to Reconciliation

Owning Responsibility to Achieve Reconciliation

We believe that Reconciliation is a shared responsibility. All Life Without Barriers personnel own responsibility for enacting Reconciliation within our organisation. our Reconciliation Action Plan commits us to action at individual, professional, organisational and community levels. We work together with other organisations and agencies, and hand-in-hand with local and Aboriginal and torres Strait islander communities to realise Reconciliation.

our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a three year plan that is reviewed and refreshed annually. Moving into the fourth year of the RAP, this refreshed 2012-2015 edition builds on our achievements to date and demonstrates our continued commitment to Reconciliation in the future.

Reconciliation Sub-Committee

Furthering its commitment to Reconciliation, the Life Without Barriers Board has established a Reconciliation Sub-committee to provide the organisation with effective governance and oversight of Reconciliation matters.

the Reconciliation Sub-committee is responsible for driving and monitoring the Life Without Barriers Reconciliation Action Plan and advising the Board and chief executive on Aboriginal and torres Strait islander projects and initiatives. the committee is co-chaired by Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people and comprises equal representation of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal members.

GovernanceNational Cultural Respect Steering Committee

the Life Without Barriers National cultural Respect Steering committee has been crucial to our success in implementing and developing our RAP and has been active for three years. During this time the committee has actively contributed to the development and implementation of our RAP. the committee continues to comprise equal representation of Aboriginal and torres Strait islander and other personnel including representation from across states and territories and from direct support staff to National and State Directors. our National cultural Respect Steering committee has adopted an innovative approach that endorses:

• A model of co-chairing by Aboriginal and torres Strait islander and other Life Without Barriers staff members

• the inclusion of cultural space which enables Aboriginal and torres Strait islander staff members to caucus in a culturally safe manner and exercise their right to have a voice

• A selection process that requires non-indigenous staff to participate in training that explores cultural awareness and concepts to assess their suitability for the committee

• Participation by Aboriginal and torres Strait islander staff in training to ensure a clear and shared understanding of the purpose and processes of the committee


• RecoNciLiAtioN ActioN PLAN 2012 – 2015

the main objective of our RAP is to ensure that Aboriginal and torres Strait islander culture is fundamental to our workplace, program development, design and delivery. the RAP provides real actions that have a positive impact on and achieve measurable outcomes for the people and communities we work with, and ensure the voices of Aboriginal and torres Strait islander people are heard throughout our organisation.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan 2012-2015

Reconciliation Action Plan 2012-2015

2012/13 Key Priorities 2013/14 Key Priorities 2014/15 Key Priorities

• increasing our Aboriginal and torres Strait islander workforce

• engaging in public policy debates

• ensuring our services are responsive to the needs of Aboriginal and torres Strait islander people

• ensuring the voices of Aboriginal and torres Strait islander people are heard throughout our organisation

• Programs, policies and practice tools reflect Aboriginal and torres Strait islander cultures

• outcome measures are developed and reporting commenced

• capacity building strategy developed

• People we provide services to report that our services promote and support connection to culture

• Life Without Barriers is an employer of choice for Aboriginal and torres Strait islander people

• the percentage of Aboriginal and torres Strait islander staff is reflective of the percentage of Aboriginal and torres Strait people we work with


the Life Without Barriers RAP is aligned to three key values - Relationships, Respect and opportunities.

Relationships, Respect and Opportunities

Relationships

Life Without Barriers values meaningful, healthy relationships as the foundation of everything we practice. We strive to link the people in our care with all aspects of their local communities, including their culture. We believe that mutually respectful relationships between Aboriginal and torres Strait islander and non-Aboriginal and torres Strait islander peoples, organisations and communities are based on trust, understanding and action that leads to shared outcomes and benefits.

Respect

Life Without Barriers believes that respecting the culture, country, spirituality and history of Aboriginal and torres Strait islander peoples and communities is fundamental to our Reconciliation journey and the key to our organisation realising positive, mutually beneficial outcomes.

Opportunities

Life Without Barriers believes in creating opportunities for Aboriginal and torres Strait islander peoples that enables real change and is based on an appreciation for the strengths that we can share. through utilising the experience and expertise of Aboriginal and torres Strait islander peoples, we will enjoy mutual learning and ensure the success of both our Reconciliation journey and our pursuit of outcomes for individuals, families and their communities.


there are seven focus areas within the Life Without Barriers RAP. each of these focus areas are linked to one of the key values, Relationships, Respect or opportunities.

RAP Focus Areas

FocUS AREA 1

Implementing Our RAP

We will maintain our focus on Reconciliation by continuing to develop and implement our Reconciliation Action Plan.

FocUS AREA 2

Capacity Building / Developing Partnerships and Improving Engagement

our work supports Aboriginal and torres Strait islander communities to build their self-determination and capacity.

FocUS AREA 3

Acknowledging Traditional Owners, Elders and Celebrating Significant Events

We will acknowledge Aboriginal and torres Strait islander peoples as the traditional custodians of this land and ensure their recognition throughout our organisation.

FocUS AREA 4

Programs and Policy

our services are responsive to the cultural needs of individuals, families and communities.

FocUS AREA 5

Engagement and Participation

We engage meaningfully with Aboriginal and torres Strait islander people to ensure they are represented in the organisation.

FocUS AREA 6

Human Recourses

creating a culturally safe and respectful workplace where people want to work.

FocUS AREA 7

Public Affairs, Research and Communication

Life Without Barriers creates opportunities for Aboriginal and torres Strait islander people to develop and contribute to public policy debates and research.

FOCUS AREA 1 – Implementing our RAP We will maintain our focus on Reconciliation by continuing to develop our RAP.

Action RESPonSiBiLitY tiME LinE MEASURES

coordinate, lead, and monitor implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan

National Manager, Reconciliation

July 2013

December 2014

Quarterly

A refined RAP reporting system is in place

RAP targets met

executive and Board informed of RAP progress

Support and promote the Reconciliation Board Sub-committee

National Manager, enterprise and Sustainability, National Manager, Reconciliation

September 2012, November2012, March 2013, June 2013, ongoing

September 2012, November2012, March 2013, June 2013, ongoing

Board Sub-committee provides advice on Reconciliation projects and initiatives

Board Sub-committee is well informed of Reconciliation progress and outcomes

RELAtionSHiPSLife Without Barriers values meaningful, healthy relationships as the foundation of everything we practice. We strive to link the people in our care with all aspects of their local communities, including their culture. We believe that mutually respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations and communities are based on trust, understanding and action that leads to shared outcomes and benefits.

oUR REconciLiAtion INITIATIVES 2012-2015




Support and promote the National cultural Respect Steering committee (NcRSc)

co-chairs of the National cultural Respect Steering committee


August 2012, october 2012, February 2013, May 2013

ongoing

Quarterly

National cultural Respect Steering committee meets four times per year

National cultural Respect Steering committee is informed by local meetings with Aboriginal and torres Strait islander staff, clients and communities

the executive receive quarterly recommendations from the National cultural Respect Steering committee on the RAP and associated initiatives

establish State and Regional RAP implementation groups

State Directors, National cultural Respect Steering committee

June 2013

Quarterly

State and Regional RAP implementation groups established

State and Regional RAP implementation groups provide quarterly reports to National cultural Respect Steering committee on local initiatives and progress



Life Without Barriers will assist Aboriginal and/or torres Strait islander organisations to build capacity

State Directors

co-chairs National cultural Respect Steering committee, National Manager, Reconciliation

December 2012

June 2013

identify one capacity building project in each state/territory

Progress and outcomes of capacity building initiatives are reported through state/territory RAP implementation groups and the National cultural Respect Steering committee

increase service delivery to Aboriginal and torres Strait islander people and communities

National Manager, enterprise and Sustainability

June 2013

December 2013

increased consultation with Aboriginal and torres Strait islander peoples about business and service development activities

increased engagement with Aboriginal and torres Strait islander businesses and groups

Manage the Aboriginal and torres Strait islander children’s fund


December 2013

June 2014

Purchase property to benefit Aboriginal and/or torres Strait islander children

Provide one-off funding for projects that meet the criteria of the Aboriginal and torres Strait islander children’s Fund

FOCUS AREA 2 – Capacity Building / Developing Partnerships and Improving Engagement our work supports Aboriginal and torres Strait islander communities to build their self-determination and capacity.

FOCUS AREA 3 – Acknowledging Traditional Owners, Elders and celebrating significant events We will acknowledge Aboriginal and torres Strait islander peoples as the traditional custodian’s of this land and ensure their recognition throughout Life Without Barriers.


Acknowledge traditional owners and elders executive ongoing

ongoing

December 2012

Life Without Barriers engages with traditional owners and elders to perform Welcome to Country at major events

Life Without Barriers acknowledges traditional owners and elders using agreed language at all formal events and meetings

A system is in place to ensure the Acknowledgment of traditional owners policy is implemented consistently

Participate in and support local events and celebrations

executive ongoing

March 2012

Life Without Barriers participates in and/or supports National Reconciliation Week and NAiDoc activities and other key local Aboriginal and torres Strait islander events and celebrations

Systems implemented to promote and support the celebration of these events

RESPEctLife Without Barriers believes that respecting the culture, country, spirituality and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities is fundamental to our Reconciliation journey and the key to our organisation realising positive, mutually beneficial outcomes.



FOCUS AREA 4 – Programs and Policy our services are responsive to the cultural needs of individuals, families and communities.


Review the Westerman Report and prepare an action plan


June 2013 Report reviewed and implementation plan developed

implement cultural connections Package National Manager, Reconciliation

National Manager, Reconciliation, National Manager, Practice and Programs

State Directors

State Directors, National Manager, Reconciliation

December 2012

February 2013

March 2013

April 2013

June 2013

Distribute cultural connections package to executive

conduct cultural connections familiarisation workshops and commence pilot sites (2)

State/territory implementation plans are developed

the progress of the implementation plans are reported to the executive and NcRSc

Number of Aboriginal And torres Strait islander children with cultural support planshave increased

improve case management to Aboriginal and torres Strait islander children and young people

National Manager, Practice and Programs


March 2013

June 2013

Design and implement tools for case managing Aboriginal children

Advice provided to Life Without Barriers Practice and Programs team on culturally appropriate case management and case supervision

improve processes for recruiting, assessing and supporting Aboriginal and torres Strait islander carers

National Manager, Reconciliation,National Director, HR, National Manager Practice and Programs

December 2012

April 2013

April 2013

current carer recruitment, assessment and support processes are reviewed

culturally appropriate foster carer recruitment, assessment and support practices are designed and implemented

culturally appropriate foster carer training and support tools to ensure the carers of Aboriginal and torres Strait islander children are able to provide culturally appropriate care, are designed and implemented


FOCUS AREA 5 – Engagement and Participation engaging meaningfully with Aboriginal and torres Strait islander people to ensure they are represented in the organisation.


the voices of Aboriginal and torres Strait islander peoples are heard throughout our organisation

chief executive, executive, State Directors

May 2014 Develop and implement mechanisms to ensure the voices of Aboriginal and torres Strait islander people and communities drives our work

Develop relationships with local Aboriginal and torres Strait islander organisations

executive, State Directors

ongoing Life Without Barriers has recognised relationships with local Aboriginal and torres Strait islander organisations that are based on mutual understanding and respect

evaluate the effectiveness of Life Without Barriers engagement with Aboriginal and torres Strait islander people and communities

National Manager, Reconciliation, National Manager, Public Affairs, Research and communication

December 2013 An evaluation is conducted and the data used to inform RAP actions for 2014/15

oPPoRtUnitiESLife Without Barriers believes in creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that enables real change and is based on an appreciation for the strengths that we can share. Through utilising the experience and expertise of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we will enjoy mutual learning and ensure the success of both our Reconciliation journey and our pursuit of outcomes for individuals, families and their communities.



FOCUS AREA 6 – Human Resources Providing a culturally safe and respectful workplace where people want to work.


increase the number of Aboriginal and torres Strait islander staff across all roles and levels in Life Without Barriers by 10 percent

National Director, HR

State Directors, National Director, HR

June 2013

August 2013

August 2013

June 2014

June 2014

Aboriginal and torres Strait islander recruitment and retention strategy developed and implementation commenced

State action plans for the implementation of the Aboriginal and torres Strait islander recruitment and retention strategy are developed

State Aboriginal and torres Strait islander employment targets are set

Relationships established with key Aboriginal and torres Strait islander employment and training groups

comprehensive career pathway with options for Aboriginal and torres Strait islander peoples developed

organisational learning and development strategy is inclusive of Reconciliation with a particular focus on:

• Cultural awareness

• case management for Aboriginal and torres Strait islander children

• caring for Aboriginal and torres Strait islander children

National Director, HR

June 2013

December 2012

June 2013

cultural awareness training is delivered locally with 50 percent of our staff trained

engage expert to develop and deliver case management and caring training packages

Number of participants, their locations and roles is reported on VetRAcK



FOCUS AREA 7 – Public Affairs and Communication Life Without Barriers creates opportunities for Aboriginal and torres Strait islander people to develop and contribute to public policy, debate and research.


create Life Without Barriers public policy position on Reconciliation

National Manager, Public Affairs, Research and communication, National Manager, Reconciliation

December 2012

June 2013

June 2013

Public policy position endorsed by the executive and National cultural Respect Steering committee

Public policy position approved by Life Without Barriers’ Board, Policy and Research Sub-committee and Reconciliation Sub-committee

Public policy position published on website

identify research to support RAP outcomes National Manager, Public Affairs, Research and communication, National Manager, Reconciliation

June 2013

September 2013

Reconciliation research priorities developed

Research priorities endorsed by the executive and National cultural Respect Steering committee

Develop culturally respectful marketing and communication material to promote RAP outcomes

National Manager, Public Affairs, Research and communication, National Manager, Reconciliation

June 2013

June 2013

RAP progress and outcomes profiled through all Life Without Barriers communication channels

Latest information about wider community and government debates and initiatives related to Reconciliation are linked to Life Without Barriers website

Action RESPonSiBiLitY tiMELinE MEASURES

corporate Services Business Units to provide RAP progress updates to NcRSc at each scheduled meeting of the group

corporate Services Business Units

July 2013, July 2014

Relevant reports and presentations provided quarterly to National cultural Respect Steering committee

State and territory monthly reporting on RAP actions

State Directors July 2013


All state and territory report templates amended to include relevant RAP actions for 2012-2013 and 2013-2014

State and territory monthly reports on progress against RAP actions provided to the NcRSc

State RAP implementation Groups to provide regular reports to their respective State Directors and the NcRSc

co-chairs of State RAP implementation Groups

July 2013,July 2014

Relevant reports and presentations provided to NcRSc

communicate progress against RAP actions







Quarterly report provided to the executive Leadership team

Quarterly report provided to the Board Reconciliation Sub-committee

Quarterly report provided to the Board

information on progress communicated quarterly to Life Without Barriers personnel through RAP intranet sub-site

information on progress included in the Annual Report

Provide a nationally coordinated opportunity for all personnel to reflect on our Reconciliation journey



All personnel invited to participate in Reconciliation Australia’s RAP impact survey information shared internally and externally

Undertake annual report on and refresh of our RAP to ensure it is up to date and we are reflecting our lessons learned

National cultural Respect Steering committee, National Manager, Reconciliation

August 2013, August 2014

December 2013, December 2014

Annual RAP Report accepted and approved by Reconciliation Australia and registered on their website and Life Without Barriers’ website

Annual Refreshed RAP approved by Reconciliation Australia and registered on their website and Life Without Barriers’ website


Tracking Progress and ReportingLife Without Barriers will maintain accountability to our Reconciliation Action Plan by regular review and reporting, managed through our governance mechanisms. information about our progress is made available to our personnel and shared externally with our partners and the broader community.

Acknowledgements:

Artwork by

Saretta Fielding

Photography by

Wayne Quilliam


Life Without Barriers 352 King Street, Newcastle NSW 2300 Phone (02) 4033 4500 Fax (02) 4927 5113 Email [email protected]

RAP Enquires Kerri Clarke National Manager Reconciliation Phone (02) 4033 4500

Life Without Barriers has 85 offices across Australia. Please visit our website for your local office contacts.

www.lwb.org.au

reconciliation action plan - life without barriers · 2014-08-21 · reconciliation action plan...

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