Effective from July 2023

Approved by: Chief Operating Officer

Five Good Friends Diversity and Inclusion Statement

“Why be a star when you can make a constellation?”

Mariam Kaba wrote these powerful words in her collection of essays and interviews titled  'We do this til we free us'. We love the wisdom, clarity and truth contained in this idea.

We are inspired by it. The star as a metaphor for a person, the constellation as a metaphor for building a better organisation by welcoming and celebrating difference.

It is such a simple idea, yet challenging. So succinct, yet broad. So immediate and accessible, yet telling of a journey that will never end. At Five Good Friends, we desire and intend to create a beautiful constellation of stars. Stars of different frequencies, brilliance, sizes, colours and ages.

There is more meaning and inspiration to be drawn from this idea.

Constellations are made of stars that can appear close together in the plane of the sky. In reality, these stars are separated by vast distances from where we view them. A constellation may be diverse but it is also inclusive, It brings together different stars in a unique, connected and welcoming way that leverages the individual characteristics of each star to make something bigger, better, brighter and more meaningful.

We will only be a great organisation, a constellation, if we can celebrate, welcome and foster a diverse and beautiful team of individuals bound by a sense of purpose.

This is the other aspect of a constellation that we find so inspiring. On their own stars can be hard to see, as part of a constellation they are easy to find.  Purpose provides a reason for being. Our constellation exists to enable people to remain connected to and engaged with the friends, family, homes and community they love for as long as they desire. To do this we will always value and welcome different stars, with a diversity of experiences, perspectives, skills, heritages and understandings.

Why be a star, when together we can make a constellation?

At a Glance

Five Good Friends believes that creating diverse and equal workplaces that empower workers to use their knowledge, skills and abilities will lead to improved performance, greater innovation, and higher staff engagement.

Five Good Friends is committed to creating a service that is inclusive and delivers person-centred care that respects and values everyone. As an organisation we are dedicated to creating a culture that ensures our Members, employees and Helpers feel supported, respected, and valued, irrespective of age, nationality, ability, religion, gender identity or sexuality.

Scope

This policy applies to all Five Good Friends workers (employees, Helpers, contractors, Board Directors), Members and their loved ones.

Objectives

• Ensure a supportive workplace that respects and values diversity of customs, cultures and beliefs.
• Ensure that our services are delivered in a manner that respects and values the customs, cultures and beliefs of our Members.
• Prevent harassment or discrimination of any kind.
• Create awareness for workers of their obligations to foster an environment of inclusiveness and respect for individuals and their identities.

Definitions

• Diversity and inclusion refer to creating and maintaining a workplace and culture that is respectful of all people. Diversity includes gender, age, family status, nationality, ethnicity, religion, impairment or disability and all other unique differences.
• Special needs groups apply to people with special needs as outlined in the Aged Care Act 1997 (Cth):
  • people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities;
  • people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds;
  • people who live in rural or remote areas;
  • people who are financially or socially disadvantaged;
  • veterans;
  • people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless;
  • care-leavers;
  • parents separated from their children by forced adoption or removal;
  • lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people.

Policy Statement

Australian society is diverse and we are committed to meaningfully include diversity and inclusion in various forms to deliver a service that suits each individual. We are committed to representing the diverse human experiences of our population in the service as we believe this creates better services for our Members, their loved ones, and the workers.

We are committed to reflecting the same diversity in our Member population as well as our workforce. By having workers with a diverse lived experience, we’re better able to find new ways of looking at things and approaching situations – giving our Members and workers a better experience.

Diversity for the workplace

• Five Good Friends is comprised of workers with diverse backgrounds, experiences, views, and skills and as a result, we are committed to promoting a culture that embraces diversity and the value it brings.
• We endeavour to provide an environment in which all workers are treated with equal opportunity, fairness, and respect regardless of background, experiences, preferences and identity.
• We recognise the significance of empowering and encouraging workers to embrace diversity and inclusion as part of our everyday operations.
• Harassment or discrimination of any person is not tolerated, and workers are expected to follow our policies to prevent or address harassment or discrimination. Workers are expected to follow the Equal Opportunity, Discrimination and Harassment Policy, the Sexual Harassment and Victimisation Policy, and the Workplace Bullying Policy. If a person wants to make a complaint about harassment or discrimination, please see the Grievance Policy.
• Recruitment and selection:
  • We seek to recruit from a rich, diverse pool of qualified candidates at all levels. By doing so, it enables us to attract people with the best skills and attributes and shape an environment where true talent shines.
  • We encourage the active recruitment of workers from diverse backgrounds and workers with previous experience providing services to people from diverse backgrounds.
  • Appointment is non-discriminatory and takes into account a number of factors such as achievements, experience, qualifications and the value an individual could bring to a role.
  • All positions are to be advertised internally unless prior approval is provided by a member of the Management Team. This ensures all employees are provided with an equal opportunity for advancement.
• Learning and development:
  • Workers will receive training and education in inclusive practices and cultural safety, and how these are incorporated into our organisational Values, practices and service delivery.
• Roles and responsibilities:
  • Board of Directors
    • Review and approve the objectives that support achieving diversity and inclusion in the workplace and service delivery.
    • Review and approve Diversity Plans as developed by the Diversity & Inclusion Team.
    • Review progress reports for the Diversity Plan and provide feedback as required.
  • Diversity & Inclusion Team
    • Establish and monitor objectives that support achieving diversity and inclusion in the workplace and service delivery.
    • Undertake analysis to identify where gaps exist and where improvements can be made to meet the objectives.
    • Develop an annual Diversity Plan which will outline how Five Good Friends will achieve the objectives to further embed and improve our approach to diversity and inclusion.
    • Report to the Management Team, Care Governance Committee and Board.
  • Management Team
    • Executives and managers will demonstrate inclusive leadership practices and model constructive workplace behaviours that promote diversity and inclusion practices.
  • Workers
    • All workers will treat all people with whom they work with respect and fairness (including employees, Helpers, Members and Third Party Partners), encompass diversity, and collaborate in an environment free of bias.
    • All workers are responsible for being aware of this and our Bullying, Sexual Harassment and Discrimination policies. If a worker doesn’t understand any components of these policies, they need to contact their manager for support.

Diversity for service provision

• Five Good Friends will ensure that its workers demonstrate respect for cultural or religious customs and health practices, including beliefs and taboos. This is outlined in the Code of Conduct and is a condition of employment and Helper contract engagement with Five Good Friends.
• We recognise that flexible approaches are used in response to Members that recognise and meet their diverse care needs. Our Matching process and care and support planning are pivotal in ensuring Members’ needs and preferences are addressed appropriately.
• We embrace providing quality care that ensures that the dignity and human rights of each individual and their diverse characteristics and life experiences, that may influence their care needs, are met.
• Workers will arrange for interpreters (including sign language interpreters) in circumstances where Members are unable to communicate easily in English and if the Member requests one. This may include using accredited interpreters where required, or the involvement of a larger group of extended family members or loved ones as identified by the Member.
• Workers will actively seek information from Members or their loved ones about their customs, culture and beliefs where it may affect the provision of service (e.g. culturally appropriate diet preferences, religious rituals or the need for Helpers to be of the same gender as the Member).
• Workers will ensure that the information gathered about the Member’s customs, culture, beliefs and preferences are appropriately documented in the Member’s record to ensure the best Matches can be made for direct care services.
• Workers will support specific requests from Members, where possible, to demonstrate respect for the Member (e.g. assistance in religious practices or help with establishing social networks). Workers’ preferences will also be taken into consideration and respected when engaging with Members.

References and Related Documents

Five Good Friends

• Diversity & Inclusion
• Member Safeguarding Policy
• Equal Opportunity, Discrimination and Harassment Policy
• Sexual Harassment and Victimisation Policy
• Workplace Bullying Policy
• Grievance Policy
• Code of Conduct
• How do I access an interpreter?

External

• Aged Care Quality Standards
• Aged Care Diversity Framework and Action Plans
• NDIS Practice Standards
• Inclusive Services Standards
• Fair Work Act
• Antidiscrimination Act
• Workplace Gender Equality Act