The 17th of March marks National Close the Gap Day.
A day to bring people together to share information and most importantly, to take meaningful action in support of achieving health equality for First Nations Peoples.
As a multi-cultural organisation with over 45% of our employees born overseas promoting and supporting a diverse and inclusive workplace is something we take seriously. We have a zero-tolerance stance on unwanted behaviours based on cultural backgrounds and understand the importance of educating our diverse workforce on different cultures, traditions, and history.
In 2021 Reconciliation Australia endorsed our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) that provides a clear roadmap to enact meaningful actions to strengthen existing ties with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations and to build new relationships.
The plan aims to increase employment opportunities through employing directly or through our supplier chain.
"We are aiming to achieve greater representation in our workforce of First Nations peoples and with that, greater opportunities through traineeships and career pathways for advancement within SGS." Gaye Hennesey
Why reconciliation is important to us?
Reconciliation is an opportunity to rebuild trust, respect and equity that has been fractured during Australia's short, shared history with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Since 2018 we have been on a journey to grow our understanding, value and respect of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, traditions, and the rich lessons we can learn. This journey has introduced us to languages, music, customs, aquaculture techniques and stories.
We share the commitment of First Nations peoples to look after our land for this generation and all the generations to come. Though we make a positive contribution to a sustainable world, we have much to learn from Australia's First Peoples and we look forward to a continuing relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples so we can work together to improve our environmental footprint and sustainability.
What are we doing?
As a leader in the testing, inspection, and certification industry our size, footprint, and commitment to social sustainability places us in prime position to help close the gap. Our RAP identified key actions to enable increased employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, foster stronger ties to country, and build relationships. This can be achieved by leveraging our structures and diverse sphere of influence.
Key Actions
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Increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island recruitment and professional development opportunities by removing barriers to workplace participation and supporting leadership pathways.
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Develop commercial relationships with First Nations businesses and partners and increase the number of Indigenous suppliers.
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Develop a cultural learning strategy to increase our understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge, and rights.
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Provide ongoing opportunities for active learning by participating in cultural events, community initiatives and having Acknowledgement of Country or other appropriate protocols at the commencement of important meetings.
Case Study
School-based training at Energy Minerals Lab, Mackay QLD.
Led by our Business Development Manager in Mackay, QLD we've created a school-based training program to enable local students to work at their branch while they are at school.
On this program students learn valuable skills, gain employment experience and a qualification. This is all achieved while students earn a wage, and importantly complete their education at school.
We have partnered with Kutta Mulla Gorinna Secondary, a school for young people who are disengaged and alienated from the conventional school system. Kutta Mulla Gorinna School puts emphasis on understanding the essential features of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, although they welcome students irrespective of their cultural backgrounds.
The school's vision is "to improve the educational and social outcomes of the most vulnerable and disengaged young people by having a holistic, collaborative, community approach to learning."
We are excited to be working with students from Kutta Mulla Gorinna and are looking forward to fostering a close relationship with the school, creating opportunities in the community and developing employment pathways for school leavers.
For more information please contact AU.Community@sgs.com
About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognised as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 96,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.