Carers Queensland has gained the Rainbow Tick Accreditation, leading the way on inclusive work practices and being the only organisation to hold this recognition in Queensland.
Once again, independent body, Quality Innovation Performance Limited (QIP) has awarded the State-based not-for-profit with both Quality Improvement Council (QIC) and Rainbow Tick Accreditation Standards after completing its second three-year review.
The QIC Standards highlight Carers Queensland’s commitment to demonstrating ongoing quality improvement. The Rainbow Tick Standards recognise its commitment to safe, inclusive practice and service delivery for LGBTIQ people.
Chair of Carers Queensland, Jim Toohey said he was very proud of this achievement and pleased to share this news with the community.
“Carers Queensland is a place for everyone- this includes carers, participants, staff, their families and the community in general. We care about equality and we are committed to creating an inclusive society,” Mr Toohey said.
“This accreditation is another example of the steps we have taken to manage safety, risk and quality. It sends a clear message to our clients and our staff that we recognise that being an LGBTIQ inclusive organisation is about the whole organisational culture- from governance to service delivery,” he said.
Accreditation is an ongoing review of quality that Carers Queensland started back in 2016 and was awarded the first Rainbow Tick accreditation in 2018.
Since the beginning, the process involved consultation with LGBTIQ carers, community members and organisations; establishing an internal network of Rainbow Allies that supports the organisation’s inclusive culture and delivering ongoing training for staff to be skilled in providing culturally appropriate responses to carers, participants, people with disability and their families who identify as LGBTIQ.
Carers Queensland’s Senior Quality and Improvement Officer, Sarah Walbank who played an important role in the process described accreditation as a journey, not a destination.
“To be successful and genuine, the work of reviewing organisational policies, practices and culture must be an integral component of everyday business practice,” Ms Walbank said.
“The first journey required me to be vulnerable so that I could engage with the process. Then, as we travelled this road, I was able to do that and enjoy an organisational culture that genuinely respects and values all employees and clients. I am very proud of what Carers Queensland has achieved” she added.
Likewise, Regional Manager for Carers Queensland’s NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community program, Rebecca Binyon said the organisation takes seriously cultural safety for LGBTIQ staff.
“Working for a Rainbow Tick accredited organisation is a point of pride for me as a Transgender woman. It was the fact that Carers Queensland had the Rainbow Tick that gave me the courage to finally transition in my professional life and that meant that I could be truly me in my whole life for the first time,” Ms Binyon said.
“Diversity and respect are two of our core values and we put that in action through staff training, celebrating key awareness days throughout the year, having a strong Rainbow Allies network and nameplates that reflect people’s identity and engagement with the LGBTIQ community.”
“People in the LGBTIQ community can expect to be welcomed and treated with respect and acceptance for, and of, who they are when they connect with us.”
