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Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
1. Description
This policy aims to support and promote an inclusive environment that recognises,
respects, and values the individual differences of all people engaged with Vista Home
Support services, including clients and workers.
These individual differences can include:
• Gender and Gender Identity
• Age
• Language
• Ethnicity
• Cultural background
• Disability
• Sexual orientation
• Religious beliefs
• Family responsibilities
• Marital Status
• Political beliefs
At Vista Home Support, diversity is an important resource as it helps:
• Attract, retain, and motivate Vista Home Supports Representatives from a wide pool of
talent
• Foster a culture that reflects our values and is open to all
• Improve innovation, creativity and inspire Vista Home Support Representatives
engagement and satisfaction
• Improve the connection between our people and the people we support.
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2. Definitions
• ‘Vista Home Support’ – means the entire organisation
• ‘Vista Home Support management’ – means Vista Home Support managers, supervisors,
team leaders, and all employees with supervisory responsibilities.
• ‘Vista Home Support representatives’ – means Vista Home Support employees,
contractors, and volunteers.
• ‘Client’ – means person receiving services or supports from Vista Home Support.
• ‘Client representative’ – means a client’s family, friends, guardians, or plan nominee.
• ‘CALD’ - means ‘culturally and linguistically diverse’.
• ‘Diversity’ – means characteristics such as age, ethnicity, gender, intellectual and/or
physical ability, cultural background, sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status.
• ‘Inclusion’ – means an environment where all people are treated fairly and respectfully,
with equality of opportunity.
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3. Scope
This policy applies to all Vista Home Support representatives including key management
personnel, directors, full-time workers, part-time workers, casual workers, contractors, and
volunteers.
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4. Policy
Vista Home Support values equality, diversity, and inclusion. We engage with people of all
cultural, linguistic backgrounds, and life experiences, including people with disabilities,
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+, and others.
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Vista Home Support Responsibilities
• Respect individual differences and treat all people with dignity.
• Create an inclusive workplace environment valuing diverse perspectives.
• Ensure all representatives understand their responsibilities regarding diversity and
inclusion.
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Vista Home Support Management Responsibilities
• Foster diversity of thinking and promote an inclusive culture.
• Demonstrate leadership practices that encourage inclusivity.
• Champion, lead, and promote inclusion and diversity through leadership.
• Implement policies and systems supporting diversity and community representation.
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5. Vista Home Support Connectivity Inclusion
Vista Home Support provides various communication channels for representatives and
clients, including:
• Phone and Text
• Email
• Website contact form
• Microsoft Teams
• Zoom
• Face-to-Face Meetings
• Social Media
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6. Promoting Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Vista Home Support promotes equality and inclusion by:
• Hiring based on merit.
• Highlighting diversity policies in onboarding.
• Encouraging open disclosure of gender, pronouns, ethnicity, and cultural backgrounds.
• Fostering an inclusive work culture that respects cultural traditions and beliefs.
• Supporting flexible and remote working arrangements.
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7. Supporting Clients
Vista Home Support ensures cultural responsiveness through:
• Consulting clients and representatives to meet individual needs.
• Encouraging client participation in the community.
• Providing accessible services including:
- Easy-read service agreements
- Client intake forms accommodating gender, language, culture, and disabilities.
- Access to interpreter services.
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8. Indigenous Elders Inclusion
Indigenous Elders must be acknowledged and advised if they wish to be included in the
participant journey. Vista Home Support is committed to ensuring that their cultural
guidance and support are available throughout the care process, respecting their knowledge
and traditions.
9. LGBTQIA+ Rights and Inclusion
Vista Home Support is committed to upholding the rights, dignity, and inclusion of
LGBTQIA+ individuals in both employment and service delivery. We acknowledge that
individuals of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions may face
unique challenges and are dedicated to fostering a safe, supportive, and affirming
environment.
Our Commitment to LGBTQIA+ Inclusion:
• Ensuring non-discrimination policies explicitly include LGBTQIA+ individuals.
• Providing education and training to staff on LGBTQIA+ awareness, sensitivity, and
inclusive practices.
• Respecting individuals’ gender identities, pronouns, and chosen names in all interactions
and documentation.
• Ensuring LGBTQIA+ clients receive person-centered care that respects their identity,
relationships, and unique needs.
• Offering LGBTQIA+ inclusive health and well-being resources within our services.
• Creating an inclusive workplace culture where LGBTQIA+ employees feel safe, supported,
and valued.
• Implementing policies that protect LGBTQIA+ employees and clients from discrimination,
harassment, and exclusion.
• Celebrating LGBTQIA+ visibility through awareness campaigns and events.
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10. Inclusive Marketing, Events, and Communications
Vista Home Support is dedicated to ensuring that our website, marketing materials, events,
and communications reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion, incorporating
Indigenous, CALD, cultural, and religious beliefs. We recognize the importance of
representation and strive to create an inclusive environment in all external and internal
communications.
Our Commitment to Inclusive Representation:
• Ensuring that our website and marketing materials reflect the diverse backgrounds of the
people we serve, including Indigenous, CALD, and religious communities.
• Using culturally appropriate language and imagery in all promotional materials, online
content, and advertisements.
• Recognizing and celebrating significant cultural and religious events, such as NAIDOC
Week, Ramadan, Diwali, and other important observances.
• Ensuring event planning and execution are inclusive, welcoming diverse communities, and
providing accessibility for all participants.
• Incorporating acknowledgments of Indigenous Elders and communities in official
communications, events, and promotional activities.
• Providing multi-language accessibility on the website and marketing platforms to
accommodate CALD communities.
• Ensuring email signatures and official correspondence include inclusive statements
reflecting Vista Home Support's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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8. Related Acts
• Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986
• Fair Work Act 2009
• Disability Discrimination Act 1992
• Age Discrimination Act 2004
• Racial Discrimination Act 1975
• Sex Discrimination Act 1984
• Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012
• Equal Employment Opportunity Act 1987
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