The work our people do every day brings good to the world and helps to fulfil APM’s purpose to enable better lives.
We know that by supporting their growth and development, our people can thrive and be best version of themselves. This benefits our clients and communities, as by continuously improving as individuals and as an organisation, we can together make a positive difference.
At APM, we are always looking at how we can improve our own workplaces and ways of working, making sure our people have the knowledge, skills, and capability to properly support our clients, and each other.
Driving a greater understanding of disability in our workplaces
APM recently partnered with Get Skilled Access, founded by Australian of the Year 2022 Dylan Alcott, to deliver Disability Inclusion Training.
Over 1600 employees attended the training, collaborating, and having conversations around what it means to live with disability and what contribution we can all make to create more inclusive workplaces.
While the training was not mandatory, the high attendance is testament to the genuine willingness and enthusiasm APMers have to build their knowledge around diversity and greater inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace.
Presenters from Get Skilled Access shared first-hand accounts of disability and reflected on their own experiences in the workplace to provide examples of where inclusion efforts should focus.
“The Get Skilled Access Disability Inclusion training was a great way to start a conversation about how we talk about disability” Tristan Orchard, Senior Local Area Coordinator, National Enquiries Team.
“As APM is a company that specialises in human services, it is important that we are at the forefront of the discussion of disability in the workplace.”
A key learning from the training was that openness is a great place to start conversations around disability.
“Be open, be respectful, ask if you don’t fully understand what someone’s situation is. The language you use is also important – it needs to focus on the person first, and then the possibilities of what can be achieved with the right supports,” Michael Dobbie-Bridges, APM Strategic Advisor on Disability.
Moving forward together
APM is dedicated to building a supportive and inclusive culture and workplaces for our people, and to attracting the most diverse talent.
We invest in the personal and professional development of our people and support their engagement with diversity initiatives through our Employee Resource Groups focused on disability, pride, First Nations, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Our partnership with Get Skilled Access is just part of APM’s work to improve our focus on better employment outcomes for people with disabilities – we look forward to continuing our important work in this area to support APMers, our clients, and the communities we serve.
