'We must continue to work towards equity in the health care system for all New Zealanders'
The Health Quality & Safety Commission has been announced as the latest organisation to receive the Rainbow Tick.
In particular, the tick is an indicator of organisations who welcome, understand and value sexual and gender diversity.
The accreditation is awarded to organisations who complete a diversity and inclusion process that assesses whether or not a workplace understands, values, and welcomes sexual and gender diversity.
Dr Chris Walsh, director of Partners in Care and chair of the Commission’s Rainbow Connection group, said the tick is confirmation of the inclusive atmosphere at the Commission.
“We were pleased to see it highlighted in the final report that, of the rainbow-identifying staff interviewed during the process, all of them felt safe and secure to be themselves and talk freely of their lives outside of work,” said Dr Walsh.
“There was a strong sense of inclusion and support.”
It was noted by the Rainbow Tick organisation that the level of detail and evidence provided in the Commission’s self-assessment and staff focus groups far outweighed the requirements for an organisation of its size.
“Achieving the Rainbow Tick allows us to show employees, prospective employees, stakeholders and the wider world that we are a progressive, inclusive and dynamic organisation,” said Dr Walsh.
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The Commission has championed pride in a number of ways including the establishment of the Rainbow Connection – an inclusive group of staff who discuss issues relevant to the LGBTQIA+ community in relation to health care in New Zealand.
The Rainbow Connection was formed in 2018 and focuses on improving health services and outcomes for people of all genders and sexualities, a necessary component of equity in health.
Moreover, it also an internal focus, which makes sure the Commission remains an inclusive and safe workplace for employees who identify as LGBTQIA+. It was this group that led the process to become Rainbow Tick certified.
The term ‘rainbow’ encompasses people who are LGBTQIA+ or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, takatāpui and intersex.
Despite the accreditation, Dr Walsh said the hard work is not over.
“We must continue to work towards equity in the health care system for all New Zealanders.”
Earlier in the month, Sport Hawke’s Bay became the first regional sports organisation to receive the Rainbow Tick certification for its work towards diversity and inclusion.
Sport Hawke’s Bay CEO Mark Aspden said the organisation has a vision to ensure everyone in the community has a life-long love of sport and physical activity.
“We want to make sure that when we say community, we include everyone in Hawke’s Bay.
“Maintaining a work environment that is inclusive and welcoming for all underpins our effort to encourage people from all walks of life to be more active, more often”.