We are a Disability Confident Recruiter

The Department of Communities (Communities) recently attained Disability Confident Recruiter (DCR) status through the Australian Disability Network.

What does this mean?

“Attaining DCR status is an important step in our efforts to remove unintended barriers for people with disability looking to work with us at Communities,” Strategic Workforce Capability Principal Consultant Gordon Rendall said.

“More than a recognition, it reinforces our culture of belonging.”

The DCR status reflects 12 months of dedicated work to review Communities’ recruitment and onboarding practices, implementing inclusive and accessible approaches.

Communities is partnering with Inclusive Employment Australia providers through the Connect Abilities initiative and promoting direct employment pathways through the refreshed CI39 appointment process.

The Department is also building its capacity with disability awareness training, lived-experience participation in projects and decision-making and working on accessible office fit-outs and inclusive onboarding practices to create a safer, more welcoming and accessible workplace.

Commitment to inclusive, best-practice recruitment

People and Culture Assistant Director General Stuart Cowie said: “Achieving DCR status strengthens our ability to attract and recruit talented people with disability and reinforces our commitment to inclusive, best-practice recruitment.

“Importantly, this work benefits our workforce as a whole by helping ensure we draw on the broadest possible pool of talent – reflecting our ongoing efforts to increase the number of people with disability working at Communities.”

All staff have been encouraged to set aside 45 minutes to complete the Department’s Disability Confident Workforces course.

A/HR Hub Team Leader Tara Anderson said: “This is an important step in becoming an employer of choice for people with disability.

“I’m proud to contribute to our efforts in having a workforce the reflects the community we serve.

“It doesn’t stop here – we still have work to do and the DCR status gives us the springboard to keep improving. I can’t wait for next year’s DCR activities.”

The Strategic Workforce Capability team coordinated the project, which included strong contributions from HR Business Partnering, Corporate Communications, Assets, Work Health and Safety, People Systems, Employee Services Centre, Screening Unit, and Facilities Services.