UP Education: Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing (DI&W) Programme
Our vision
UP Education aims to foster and celebrate diversity in our workplaces to create an inclusive workplace culture which acknowledges and appreciates the unique talents and identities of our people.
About the DI&W Programme
The UP Education DI&W Work Programme is a planned sequence of work activities to build our people’s capability to support diversity, inclusion and wellbeing in the workplace and upskill our staff in cultural competence and leadership.
Our commitment to promoting equal opportunities for staff across the Group is reflected in our DI&W policy and employment performance management and recruitment policies and practices. This is also reflected in our Code of Conduct expectation that all Group people are caring, professional and respectful.
The DI&W Committee will lead the DI&W Work Programme alongside the People Team. The DI&W Committee is made up of seven UP Education employees to establish diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing strategic priorities across the Group. The Committee will be formed by early 2022.
Through the DI&W policy, our DI&W Work Programme, and the DI&W Committee, we will shape a workplace environment where our people feel valued and accepted to realise their full potential and contribute to a high performing education system.
Our values
Mutual respect
We believe that everyone has the right to be treated with respect, fairness and dignity. We value the contribution of all Group people and have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, discrimination, victimisation (also known as retaliation) or other inappropriate or demeaning behaviour.
Mental health and wellbeing
We support the mental health and wellbeing of our people and aim to educate managers about mental illness and its effects, and how to respond to, support and accommodate staff who have disclosed mental health concerns. We strive to create an environment where people can confidently start conversations about mental health without fear of stigma or discrimination.
Leadership
We strongly encourage all people leaders to lead by example by executing our diversity and inclusion vision and consistently applying equitable and inclusive people management practices.
Social Impact
We acknowledge and honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) and are committed to incorporating Te Ao Māori in the way we operate to benefit Māori and minority communities.
We will also embrace the spirit of Te Tiriti o Waitangi by striving to deepen our cultural competence of the indigenous peoples of Australia and the cultures and languages of our international students.
Collective responsibility
The DI&W policy and wider programme applies to all staff across UP Education tertiary providers.
Domestic vocational education and training providers
NZMA, New Zealand School of Tourism, New Zealand Institute of Sport, Yoobee Colleges, Cut Above, Elite School of Beauty & Spa, Face & Beauty Academy, New Zealand Tertiary College, G&H Training, Builders Academy.
University partnerships – New Zealand and Australia
University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, Victoria University of Wellington, ICHM, Swinburne University, Charles Darwin University, University of Tasmania.
Taking action
Through the UP Education DI&W policy, DI&W Work Programme and Committee, we will grow, maintain and support diversity, inclusion and wellbeing. To kick off the programme, read the DI&W policy and consider joining the DI&W committee. In 2022, your manager will discuss options to complete unconscious bias training.
DI&W Policy
The DI&W policy outlines UP Education’s commitment to promoting equal opportunities for all staff.
DI&W Committee
The DI&W Committee is made up of seven employees to establish diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing strategic priorities.
Employment Policies
Employment performance management and recruitment policies.
Unconscious Bias Training
Complete modules in 2022 to better identify and understand unconscious bias.
Coming in 2022
The People Team have prepared a number of resources and guidance for staff to develop their knowledge and strategies to promote diversity, inclusion and wellbeing. Stay tuned for more information in 2022.