Investing in our people
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Strengthening our people capability and leadership
We place great emphasis on supporting our people to grow and develop – this makes us a better organisation and enables us to help people more effectively. In 2019 we have introduced a consistent learning curriculum for the development of new case managers’ learning in their first 90 days after joining MSD, to support the delivery of an empathetic and effective service experience that aligns to our key strategic priorities. We have introduced new NZQA qualifications including the New Zealand Certificate in Case Management (Level 5), and the New Zealand Diploma in Health and Wellbeing (Applied Practice) (Level 5) – Advanced Youth Support. The qualifications programme recognises existing skills and further enhances the capability of our high-performing employees who work with diverse clients.
We extended our investment in our people leaders through strengths-based workshops with an in-depth focus on building coaching capabilities. New leadership programmes have been delivered, with a significant focus on responding to mental health. A new approach to growing a positive workplace has commenced, as part of a longer-term focus on strengthening our work environment and leadership practices.
In 2019 we have developed a Te Ao Māori Maturity Framework (He Matapihi ki Te Ao Māori) to support Te Pae Tawhiti and Te Pae Tata. This framework identifies four levels of capability, providing clarity around the knowledge and skills underpinning working in a bicultural way. Our people can use the framework as a guide to deepen their knowledge or to self-assess their current capability level. Learning solutions and activities will be sourced or developed to provide a pathway of learning.
We revised and relaunched our professional development awards in October 2018.
Supporting a diverse and inclusive workplace
Being a diverse and inclusive organisation means recognising and respecting the differences between people while valuing the contribution everyone can make. Everyone is diverse in a range of interrelated ways. We want all our people and clients to thrive, be who they are and enhance their wellbeing. As an organisation it is critical for our success that we are reflective of the people we serve, which means that we need to acknowledge and appreciate our own diversity so that we can support our clients’ aspirations.
Our diversity and inclusion approach is grounded in Te Pae Tawhiti and has been informed by stakeholders and existing networks across MSD. It is aligned to the State Services approach, with our priorities reflecting a unique MSD ‘flavour’ and our purpose of helping New Zealanders to be safe, strong and independent – Manaaki tangata, Manaaki whānau.
We remain committed to supporting the State Services Commission’s vision for diversity and inclusion across the public sector. This includes addressing the gender pay gap, assessing the root causes of the ethnic pay gap, employing disabled people and making workplaces accessible, and building networks, knowledge and information to enhance visibility and inclusion of rainbow groups.
We have established a Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group to guide our work in this area. The 15 members of the steering group represent a good representation of diverse perspectives. The group ensures that our work in this area supports and aligns to priorities we have for both staff and clients.
Championing equal employment opportunities
We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunities (EEO) and we value having a diverse workforce to better represent our communities. Our EEO policy promotes equality, diversity and inclusion within a positive work culture based on respect, fairness and valuing individual differences. We ensure that individuals’ needs are met, with an aim to provide mana manaaki, assuring the dignity of all our people with warmth, listening, respect, compassion, openness and fairness.
For example, we:
- base appointments on merit, while recognising the employment aspirations of Māori, ethnic and minority groups, women, and people with disabilities, and ensuring fairness in employment for all persons and groups of persons
- purposefully recruit people who reflect and understand the diversity of New Zealand and the communities we serve
- recognise the aims and aspirations of Māori and the need for greater involvement of Māori within our organisation and across the Public Service
- collaborate with the State Services Commission to support the Lead Toolkit for employing disabled people
- focus on the capabilities that underpin an openness to diversity, which applies to how we work with our clients, communities, and our own workplace and people
- work with other agencies to share best EEO practices, policies and procedures.
