Westpac hosts Disability in the Workplace events as good example of business social responsibility

Notes from the BACS Talking Pods kindly hosted by Westpac

Where and when:

Auckland: Westpac on Takutai Square, Auckland on 26th November 2014 welcomed by Karen Silk, General Manager of Corporate & Institutional Banking.
Wellington: Westpac on Lambton Quay, Wellington 3rd December 2014 welcomed by Grant Fleming Head of Government Relations, Sustainability and Community Corporate Affairs.
Pre- BACS Talking Pod Westpac Wellington celebrated Disability Day with Minister for Disability Nicky Wagner.

Why:

BACS Talking Pods are unique, sharing experiences using those that are ‘leading in the field.’ BACS believes by sharing good practise we can get more done!
Westpac was noted as a good business egg after the Stanley East Company survey in 2013 on Disability in the Workplace.
Westpac is the only financial organisation in NZ to have had events to celebrate the International Day of People with Disabilities for the last 4 years running. (Westpac acknowledge they have a lot more work to do to be a truly accessible organisation and through its networks they are building they will make them a more accessible organisation for both customers and staff.)

Who was there:

Notes:

Westpac has 6 action groups, Accessibility, Cultural Diversity, Flexibility, Gender Equity, Multi Generational and the latest group LGBTI

What we discussed between Auckland and Wellington:

Shared value: what’s good for community is good for business.
Universal Access: Westpac term used within the bank, that means accessibility should be universal – including everyone, excluding no-one, no matter what their accessibility needs are.
Language: How we use the terms ‘disability’ and ‘accessibility’
What is ‘disability? Is pregnancy a disability?
Experiences in the workplace and how attitude and behaviour are changed.

How can we best serve people of disability in the workplace?

By getting them into the workplace!
Use specialist community groups and expertise/wisdom.
Ask the simple question “What do you need to do your job well?”
Understand shared value, diversity is good for business.
Check your language, be aware and knowledgeable.
We do not need to be disabled ourselves to beat the drum for people with disability.
Westpac will continue to improve access and openness by educating managers and encouraging a greater openness to employing people with physical & mental disabilities.

Next:

A group of interested parties are wishing to have further discussion if you want to know more please let us know.
A meeting with Minister Nicky Wagner.
Maintain connections made.
Horizon Research Poll in the New Year.

Thanks to: