GHD launches new Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan
Global professional services firm GHD has launched a new Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) outlining its continued commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities in Australia.
The RAP is supported by the four pillars of reconciliation – respect, relationships, opportunities and governance.
Andrew Olsen, GHD’s Indigenous Engagement Leader, says the new RAP is expected to inspire and guide GHD to channel its broad potential to influence change as a large employer.
“Since we launched our first RAP in 2017, our RAP and associated implementation plans have helped us champion and deliver many important initiatives, fostering our people’s passion to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culture and connection to country.
“Working with recognised industry partners has been a key part of this journey. We are particularly proud of our decade long partnership with the CareerTrackers Indigenous Internship Program, through which we have hosted more than 100 Indigenous internships, as well as our strong relationship with GO Foundation.
“This new RAP will help us continue to bring our vision to life to ensure reconciliation is fully incorporated into the decisions we make as a business and amplifies our priorities to foster a culturally safe environment for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
In addition to documenting GHD’s actions and objectives, the latest RAP also showcases stories and recent achievements, including the launch of a new national Cultural Awareness Training Program for employees, and annual celebrations for NAIDOC and National Reconciliation Week.
GHD has also recently introduced a Cultural Leave Policy enabling its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to meet their cultural obligations.
“We’re proud to have maintained a strong connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities since our foundation more than 90 years ago,” says Dean McIntyre, Executive General Manager – Australia, GHD. “As a large company with more than 40 offices across Australia, we recognise the scale of our influence and the important role we can play in advocating for change. I look forward to contributing alongside our people as we continue to work together to bring this RAP to life.”
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About GHD
GHD is a leading professional services company operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Committed to a vision to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come, GHD delivers advisory, digital, engineering, architecture, environmental and construction solutions to public and private sector clients. Established in 1928 and privately owned by its people, GHD’s network of 12,000+ professionals is connected across 160 offices located on five continents.