ARC RAPplan2012 Final

Australian Red Cross

Reconciliation Action Plan

July 2012 DeCembeR 2013

redcross.org.au

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The humanitarian purpose of Australian Red Cross is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity.

Red Cross is committed to dynamic and diverse partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and community organisations which is why we are proud to launch our Reconciliation Action Plan.

This Reconciliation Action Plan is about turning the principles on which Red Cross is founded into real actions directed towards creating meaningful and respectful relationships with sustainable opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

Red Cross recognises the strengths inherent in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and believes that this is the platform upon which positive change can be achieved. This Reconciliation Action Plan enables us to continue our work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on community-led solutions, where we work alongside individuals, families, organisations and communities to build their capacity for sustainable local solutions using the abundance of skills, knowledge and potential in these communities.

Since commencing our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy in 2009, we have made some significant achievements.

We employ more than 100 local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff who work across Australia in capital cities, and regional and remote centres such as Rockhampton, Palm Island, Woorabinda, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, Broome, Kwinana, Kalgoorlie, Port Augusta, Port Pirie, Kempsey and Dubbo.

Our staff are highly skilled, know their communitys needs, and are able to develop effective and respectful Red Cross partnerships that enhance local strengths, build on available resources, foster a culture of volunteerism and deliver positive results.

We look forward to building on these achievements through this Reconciliation Action Plan.

Robert TicknerChief Executive Officer

Foreword by CeO

3Our vision The humanitarian purpose of Australian Red Cross is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity. Worldwide, the Red Cross movement works to prevent and alleviate human suffering, to protect life and health and ensure respect for every human being.

We want to see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples share a prosperous, safe and healthy future with all other Australians.

In all our work, we are guided by the Red Cross Red Crescent Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, unity and universality.

Reconciliation Action Plan 2012 - 13

About usAustralian Red Cross is committed to building long-term and respectful partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities. We aim to stand with and support families and communities as they drive and lead their own solutions to achieve positive change, with a focus on prevention and early intervention.

Red Cross does not compete with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations and their services, or seek to replace them. We employ local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who understand their communities, and help us work best together.

Australian Red Cross acknowledges the courage, strength, wisdom, talent and potential that is present in every Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander community, and is committed to working to those strengths.

The same Fundamental Principles that enable Red Cross to work around the world empower our Australian staff and volunteers to engage with their local communities in unique ways. Red Cross is neutral and impartial; we dont take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in political, racial, religious or ideological controversies. This unique approach gives Red Cross people the independence to work through what can be at times very complex community tensions or disputes, and remain focused on building partnerships and relationships aimed at delivering humanitarian solutions.

Although Red Cross always remains independent, governments recognise our role as auxiliary to the public authorities in the humanitarian field, affording us a unique position in the humanitarian sector, with distinct rights and responsibilities.

Red Cross works with community groups, businesses, governments and other not-for-profit organisations to meet the needs of communities. In some situations Red Cross may help find but not provide solutions or services.

Underpinning all that we do is a commitment to Red Cross programs being thoroughly evaluated and outcomes accurately measured (an evidence-based approach). Advocacy on behalf of individuals, causes and policies is an integral mode of action employed by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to prevent and alleviate suffering, and to promote respect for humanitarian values.

Red Cross is renowned for mobilising volunteers, especially in times of emergency. We know that volunteering helps create cohesive and resilient communities. Red Cross is making a significant shift in its approach to working with local communities in specific locations by redirecting resources and energies to those locations (a place-based approach). Red Cross aims to ensure our services are accessible to the diverse communities we serve.

4Our RAPAustralian Red Crosss Reconciliation Action Plan is built on our Ways of Working practitioner guidelines, Indigenous Policy Core Principles, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy 2009-2015, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment and Retention Sub Strategy 2009-2015.

Based on the areas of greatest need and our historical strengths as an organisation, our current priorities include:

Reducing the impact of emergencies and disasters on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and their communities, in both rural and urban settings.

Improving the accessibility and supply of affordable, appropriate, nutritious food to individuals, families and communities.

Supporting young people, their families and communities to challenge cycles of intergenerational disadvantage and vulnerability.

Reducing the impact of imprisonment on individuals, their families and communities and help reduce the rates of re-offending.

Reducing the impact of homelessness and patterns of mobility for Indigenous communities.

Strengthening community institutions to be more able to autonomously and effectively make decisions that contribute to locally identified development outcomes.

Making our programs more accessible to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and using evidence-based program learnings to inform public policy.

Ensuring that all Red Cross people are able to work supportively and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We employ more than 100 local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff who work across Australia in capital cities, and regional and remote centres such as Rockhampton, Palm Island, Cairns, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, Broome, Kwinana, Kalgoorlie, Port Augusta, Port Pirie, Kempsey and Dubbo. This is around three per cent of our workforce of some 3,000 staff, and is a number we are committed to increasing. Staff working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are required to comply with the Practice Manual: Guidelines for Red Cross staff and volunteers working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations and communities.

We are involved in hosting and supporting NAIDOC Week celebrations around the country and have a national program of cultural awareness training for our staff. We are committed to building on these activities within this plan.

Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Internal Advisory Panel is integral to this Reconciliation Action Plan and has a key role in devising it and monitoring and evaluating its progress.

5The Australian Red Cross Indigenous Policy Core Principles state that the development of programs and services will be undertaken in a collaborative, consultative and co-operative manner ensuring that the wishes of local communities are taken into account in service delivery. Australian Red Cross acknowledges that it can only succeed in its partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples if their communities and organisations guide and lead our work, and that we remain answerable to those communities and organisations in all that we do.

ObjectiveTo build commitment at all levels of the organisation to ensure our relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities are meaningful, respectful and culturally safe.

Key Action Area 1 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy 2009-2015

Action Responsibility Timeline measurable Target

1.1 Conduct mid-term review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy 2009-2015

Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Community Programs; Director of Services and International Operations

December 2012 Mid-term review tabled and endorsed by the National Leadership Team and the Board

Key recommendations from the review tabled and endorsed by the National Leadership Team and incorporated into KPIs of Executive Directors and relevant national managers

1.2 Embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy across relevant Red Cross priority areas

Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Community Programs

December 2012 The following strategies updated to include outcome indicators in line with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy:

- Emergency Services

- Social Inclusion

- Locational Disadvantage

- International Humanitarian Law.

Key Action Area 2 Organisational Relationships

Action A&TSI Strategy Alignment

Responsibility Timeline measurable Target

2.1 Maintain the Australian Red Cross internal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel

Outcome areas 8 & 10 Director of Services and International Operations

Report December 2013

Membership of the internal advisory panel includes an equitable mix of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male and female staff from every state and territory

Monthly teleconferences and an annual face-to-face meeting held

Advisory Panel provides advice regarding endorsement of RAP Report

Relationships

62.2 Including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation on the Australian Red Cross Board

Outcome areas 8 & 10 National Board President

July 2012 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Board member appointed

2.3 Establishment and/or management of discrete external advisory groups for key programs

Outcomes 2.6, 3.7, Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Community Programs; National Manager Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs

December 2013 External advisory or reference groups for the following key national programs are consulted at least quarterly

- RespectED

- SAM Our Way

- Healthy Baby, Healthy Community.

2.4 Explore relationships with all key national, state and territory Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations

Outcomes 2.6, 3.7, 4.3, 9.2, Outcome areas 7 & 10.

Chief Executive Officer December 2012 Initial contact made with relevant organisations by the Chief Executive Officer and state/territory Executive Directors to determine potential for partnerships

Key Action Area 3 Community Relationships

Action A&TSI Strategy Alignment


3.1 Internal and external promotion of the Australian Red Cross RAP

Outcomes 7.5, 8.1, 9.3 Stakeholder Engagement Manager Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy; Director Marketing, Fundraising & Communications

August 2012 Australian Red Cross RAP successfully launched

Australian Red Cross RAP posted on Reconciliation Australia website, Australian Red Cross website and intranet, and promoted via Australian Red Cross social media channels

Australian Red Cross CEO email to all staff outlining the organisational commitment to the RAP

December 2012 The launch of the RAP and the organisations commitment featured in Humanitarian and in Newsletters for members & volunteers

3.2 Review all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs to ensure they are in line with the Indigenous Policy Core Principles, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Ways of Working

Outcome areas 8 & 10 Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Community Programs; National Manager Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs

July 2013 Report, including recommendations, tabled with CEO and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel

The Australian Red Cross program management cycle and all program management plans support the recommendations of the review

7The Australian Red Cross Indigenous Policy Core Principles commit the organisation to acknowledge, be respectful of and sensitive to culture and custom. The principles also state that our engagement will be undertaken in a climate of mutual respect and co-operation, being open and transparent in our relationships with each other and wherever possible build sustainable, positive and mutually beneficial partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their communities.

ObjectiveTo build a culturally-competent organisation that respects and acknowledges the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first Australians, and one that provides a welcoming and accepting environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander beneficiaries, staff, members and volunteers.

Key Action Area

4 Cultural Competence Curriculum

ActionA&TSI Strategy Alignment


4.1 Develop a whole-of-organisation cultural competence curriculum framework

Outcome areas 6, 8, 9 & 10

Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Community Programs; National Manager Learning and Development

December 2012 Whole of organisation cultural competence curriculum framework tabled and endorsed by National Leadership Team

Reference to the cultural competence curriculum framework reported in every staff members Performance, Review and Development plan

4.2 Develop and implement compulsory cross-cultural training


Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Community Programs; National Manager Learning and Development

December 2013 75% staff and volunteers have attended cross cultural training as a requirement of their probation, induction and/or Performance, Review and Development plan

All new staff and volunteers receive, as part of their induction pack, materials related to the most recent version of the Australian Red Cross Reconciliation Action Plan and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy.

4.3 Re-shape the Practice Manual: Guidelines for Red Cross staff and volunteers working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations and communities as a key resource in the implementation of the compulsory cross-cultural training


Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Community Programs; National Manager Learning and Development; Executive Directors; National Leadership Team

December 2013 All staff and volunteers have access to the re-shaped Practice Manual: Guidelines for Red Cross staff and volunteers working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, organisations and communities as part of the cross cultural training

Respect

84.4 Develop a set of companion booklets as part of the cultural competence curriculum framework including: Tips for Managers: Recruitment, Employment and Retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff

Outcome 9.1 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Engagement Manager; Director of Human Resources

July 2013 All Australian Red Cross managers and team leaders have access to the Tips for Managers: Recruitment, Employment and Retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff companion booklet

Reference to the cultural competence curriculum framework reported in every executive director, manager and team leaders professional development and training plan

December 2013 Additional companion booklets related to the cultural competence curriculum are developed and accessed by specialist staff

4.5 Develop and implement accredited training for specialist staff as part of the cultural competence curriculum framework


Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Engagement Manager; Director of Human Resources

December 2013 All Australian Red Cross staff who have specific roles in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service delivery have access to accredited training in this field as identified in their annual Performance, Review and Development plan

Key Action Area 5 Creating culturally accessible environments



5.1 Develop protocols for use and display of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags

Outcome areas 7, 8, 9 & 10.

Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy

December 2012 All Australian Red Cross offices display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags alongside the Australian flag, in reception areas.

Wherever the Australian flag is displayed, then the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are also to be displayed.

5.2 Develop protocols for acknowledging traditional custodians in all work sites.


Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy; Director Commercial Operations

December 2012 All Australian Red Cross office and retail shops display a standard set of stickers and/or posters visible to the public acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land on which the property is located.

5.3 Develop protocols for Welcome to Country, or acknowledgement of traditional custodians and Elders

Outcome areas 7, 8 & 9

Director of Services and International Operations; Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Community Programs; National Program Managers; Executive Directors; HR Business partners

December 2013 All national Board meetings, state and territory Advisory Board meetings, major staff forums and inductions, and branch meetings are encouraged to commence with a formal acknowledgement of traditional custodians and where possible a Welcome to Country

95.4 Provide subscriptions to Koori Mail and National Indigenous Times in work sites


Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy

October 2012 All Australian Red Cross offices have access to key reading materials related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs including the Koori Mail and National Indigenous Times

Key Action Area

6 Celebrating culturally significant events



6.1 Develop a schedule of activities across the organisation for NAIDOC Week

Supports all outcome areas, but specifically 7, 8, 9 & 10.

Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy; Executive Directors; CEO; Director Marketing, Fundraising & Communications

July 2013 All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff are given the opportunity to attend their local NAIDOC Week events on paid work time

20% of all non-Indigenous staff attend one internal or external NAIDOC Week event on paid work time

Executive Directors establish a NAIDOC Week committee in each state or territory

The Executive Director of the national NAIDOC host city hosts a table at the NAIDOC Ball

Every State and Territory manages staff NAIDOC awards to recognise individual/team/program area commitment to working in respectful partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities

All staff receive a CEO email acknowledging NAIDOC Week, its significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and explaining why Red Cross gives it prominent support.

6.2 Recognise significant cultural events throughout the year including:

National Sorry Day

Reconciliation Week

Mabo Day

Coming of the Light

Specific local events as determined by each state and territory (e.g.: Long walk in Victoria and Coming of the Light in Queensland)

Supports all outcome areas, but specifically 7, 8, 9 & 10.

Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Community Programs; CEO; Director Marketing, Fundraising & Communications; Executive Directors

December 2013 All staff receive a CEO email acknowledging National Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week and Mabo Day

Each state or territory office participates in or hosts one activity for any of these culturally significant events

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Australian Red Cross acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and volunteers who know and understand their communities can help us work best together, and that providing employment opportunities as well as supporting Indigenous businesses and organisations are key to overcoming disadvantage in those communities.

ObjectiveTo embed commitment to maximising employment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and volunteers, creating opportunities for Indigenous businesses and where requested, building the capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations.

Key Action Area 7 employing and retaining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, with a target of 6% of our workforce by 2015.



7. 1 Revise and re-launch Australian Red Cross Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment and Retention sub strategy

Outcome areas 9 & 10

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Engagement Manager; Director of Human Resources, Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Community Programs

December 2012 Current sub-strategy progress evaluated and recommendations endorsed by the National Leadership team

February 2013 The amended Australian Red Cross Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment and Retention sub strategy re-launched

December 2013 All targeted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander positions to be advertised in the Koori Mail or National Indigenous Times.

All Australian Red Cross job ads include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to apply

7.2 Develop policy provisions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural leave

Outcome area 9 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Engagement Manager; Director of Human Resources

September 2012 A cultural leave policy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff is endorsed by the National Leadership Team and included in the organisations leave provisions

7.3 Host the bi-annual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff forum

Outcome areas 9 & 10 Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Community Programs

November 2012 The second Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff forum is conducted with all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff invited to attend

7.4 Establish a pool of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander emerging leaders

Outcome areas 9 & 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Engagement Manager; Director of Human Resources

April 2013 At least two participants in the 2013 Australian Red Cross Emerging Leaders Program are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander staff

Opportunities

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Key Action Area 8 Together as Partners



8.1 Develop a policy for procurement of goods and services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses

N/A Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy; Chief Financial Officer

July 2012 Australian Red Cross is a member of the Australian Indigenous Minority Supplier Council and attends key events

December 2012 A strategy for procurement from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses is developed and endorsed by National Leadership Team

8.2 Develop an approach to capacity building of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations

Outcome area 6 Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Community Programs; National Managers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs, Social Inclusion, Locational Disadvantage

September 2012 An evaluation of all current partnership models, related trends and proposed recommendations is completed and tabled at the National Leadership Team

December 2012 A strategy for building capacity in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations is developed and endorsed by the National Leadership Team

July 2013 All Australian Red Cross programs and services where a significant number of clients are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples are underpinned by tangible partnerships with Indigenous-controlled organisations

Tracking progress and reporting

Action Responsibility Timeline measurable Target

Establish a RAP reporting team with representatives from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy, Director of Services and International Operations, HR and Australian Services

Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Community Programs

Quarterly Quarterly reports delivered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Internal Advisory panel, and feedback actioned

RAP Report CEO September 2013 RAP review commenced

Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Community Programs; Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy; Director of Marketing, Fundraising & Communications

November 2013 RAP report approved by Australian Red Cross Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Internal Advisory Panel and Board, and Reconciliation Australia

December 2013 RAP report on the Australian Red Cross and Reconciliation Australia websites and promoted to the public via Australian Red Cross social media channels

October 2014 2012 - 2013 RAP report summary included in Australian Red Cross Annual Report

Director of Marketing, Fundraising & Communications

December 2014 RAP report story in CEO update to staff

RAP report story in Humanitarian and Newsletter for Members & Volunteers

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ACT Red Cross House 3 Dann Close Garran ACT 2605 T 02 6234 7600F 02 6234 7650

NSW St Andrews House Level 4, 464 Kent Street Sydney NSW 2000 T 02 9229 4111F 02 9229 4244

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SA207-217 Wakefield Street Adelaide SA 5000 T 08 8100 4500F 08 8100 4501

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NATIONAl OFFICe

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SuPPORTeR SeRVICeS CeNTRe GPO Box 2957 Melbourne VIC 8060

T 1800 811 700F 1800 855 240e [email protected]

redcross.org.au

Documents

ARC RAPplan2012 Final