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Paving the way for cultural inclusiveness

Our inaugural Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2020–23 is our commitment to creating a culturally safe and inclusive workplace for everyone by embracing the different skills, perspectives and experiences our people bring to the organisation.

Published:
Monday 23 March 2020 at 11:59 pm

During Cultural Diversity Week, we are proud to launch our Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2020–23.

The strategy aims to build the cultural competency of our organisation to support a safe and inclusive work environment for staff and culturally safe services for our clients.

CEO Louise Glanville acknowledges Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) has a significant role to play in leading diversity and inclusion for the Victorian community.

‘The strategy reflects our genuine commitment to continue to create a culturally safe and inclusive organisation for all employees and to build a workforce that reflects the rich diversity and perspectives of the Victorian community we service,’ Louise said.

‘The more our workforce is a reflection of the Victorian community, the more we can understand and serve our client’s needs.

‘I am proud that it builds upon the achievements we have already made to support diversity and inclusion with our Reconciliation Action Plan 2019–21.’

The strategy provides a three-year strategic roadmap for VLA with practical actions to support us in addressing systematic barriers that disadvantage culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) employees.

It was developed in collaboration and consultation with Zione Walker-Nthenda of Change Architects, our People and Culture team and our Cultural Diversity Consultative Committee (CDCC).

The CDCC was formed as a result of culturally diverse staff highlighting the need for more action in relation to cultural diversity. The committee provides a formal voice for people with lived experience of cultural diversity within Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) and plays an active role in planning actions and events to support inclusion.

It is ultimately the commitment, actions and behaviours of all our people that will determine how successful we are at creating a work culture that is inclusive and safe.

Read our strategy

Download and read our Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2020–23.

You can also read more about our commitment for diversity and inclusion.

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