Interrelate Annual Report 2015-16 | Page 65

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy Interrelate is committed to the authentic inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) people into the life of Interrelate and we acknowledge the value Aboriginal people bring to our organisation. As part of this commitment, we were proud to officially launch our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy in July 2015. This strategy supports our commitment by dedicating resources to activities that will help close the gap in educational and employment outcomes for Aboriginal communities. Interrelate’s Aboriginal staff journey with families to facilitate healing, family safety, cultural awareness and community connection. It is anticipated that this strategy will increase the number of Aboriginal workers within Interrelate and facilitate their professional development to support career progression. Through this strategy we aim to ensure that this workforce is expanded, enhanced and supported to deliver quality services in the community on behalf of Interrelate. The strategy has four main priority areas: 1. Develop and maintain culturally supportive workplace environments 2. Attract and select quality Aboriginal applicants 3. Retention of Aboriginal staff 4. Investment in the potential of our people The strategy has been developed to support our Reconciliation Action Plan as well as to support The Council of Australian Government’s (COAG’s) agenda of increasing Aboriginal employment and reducing the level of disadvantage amongst Aboriginal Australians. Information regarding the progress of initiatives contained in this strategy is collected from a number of sources, including HR Metrics, and is reported to the Board and the Executive every six months. Interrelate would like to acknowledge all the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people who contributed to the development of this strategy and recognise those who will partner with us in the future to implement the initiatives contained within the strategy. 63