Workforce Diversity and Equity Framework for Action

1
Workforce Diversity and Equity Framework for
Action

• 2006-2008

2
What is diversity?

• Diversity is positive acknowledgement of ways in
  which we are different from one another and
  includes
• Gender, age, disability, language, race,
  ethnicity, religion and cultural background
• Different experiences and perspectives, working
  styles, relationship status, family and personal
  responsibilities

3
What is equity?

• Ensuring all employees are treated in fair and
  equal manner in the workplace
• Includes concepts of equal employment opportunity
  (EEO) and unlawful discrimination
• Equity is about creating a work environment where
  employees are recruited, promoted and treated on
  the basis of their individual talents and
  capabilities

4
What is workforce diversity and equity?

• Its a commitment to value and respect our
  differences and to reflect this in the way we
  work and treat each other so that our workplaces
  are welcoming and inclusive
• Diversity and equity is everybodys business and
  responsibility managers, principals and
  employees
• It needs to be embedded in all HR and people
  management practices
• Creating an environment that recognises the value
  of individual differences and utilises them to
  get the job done effectively

5
Benefits of workforce diversity and equity

• Greater recognition of individuals skills and
  abilities
• Improved communication and sharing of ideas
• Increased innovation and creativity
• Effective collaboration to achieve results
• Friendly and supportive work environments
• Flexibility to balance work and personal
  responsibilities
• Enhanced morale, job satisfaction and
  productivity
• Improved staff health and well being

6
Workforce Diversity and Equity Framework for
Action

• Its about creating equitable workplace
  environments so that different people can work
  together effectively
• Outlines key diversity and equity programs and
  policies that the department will deliver over
  the next three years
• Includes innovative and responsive programs for
  all employees and initiatives tailored
  specifically for women, employees from a
  non-English speaking background and employees
  with a disability
• Separate framework for Aboriginal and Torres
  Strait Islander employees is in development

7
Aims of the Framework

• Create an organisational culture that is
  inclusive, respectful and equitable
• Integrate diversity and equity principles in
  workplace behaviours and all people management
  practices
• Develop and support all employees through
  programs, events and policies
• Increase representation of women in management,
  people with a disability and people from a
  non-English speaking background employed in
  teaching, non-teaching and leadership roles
• Strengthen departmental leadership and governance

8
Key result areas in Framework

• Whole-of-department leadership and governance
• Building an inclusive workplace culture
• Non-teaching workforce
• Teaching workforce
• Leaders

9
Key programs 2007

• Establishing an Equity Contact Officer network
• Piloting the Developing Performance Framework

10
Key programs 2007 (2)

• Developing and piloting of a keeping in touch
  program for all employees on extended leave
• Developing a Pregnancy in the Workplace policy
  to ensure that female employees experiencing
  medical and/or occupational health and safety
  issues are supported during their pregnancy

11
Key programs 2007

• Piloting a classroom observation for overseas
  trained teachers from a non-English speaking
  background
• Partnering with an employment agency to trial an
  employment program in schools for people with a
  significant disability

12
More information

• Information about programs, events and policies
  is available from the workforce diversity website
  at http//education.qld.gov.au/workforce/diversit
  y/equity/
• You can also download a copy of the Framework
  from the website.
• Alternatively, you can contact the Workforce
  Diversity unit, Strategic Human Resources on (07)
  3237 0824 or [phone].