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Ambulance Victoria review – Special announcement (29 April)

As part of our Independent review into workplace equality in Ambulance Victoria, we are now inviting Expressions of Interest from current and former AV employees and first responders to participate in the focus groups. The sessions will help to identify and explore potential solutions and share ideas that will drive positive and enduring change at Ambulance Victoria.

The Commission is pleased to announce that a range of focus groups will be commencing in May.

We are now inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from current and former AV employees and first responders to participate in the focus groups.

What are focus groups?

Through a facilitated discussion, the focus groups will support the Commission to gain deeper insights on specific topics that will inform our review, and in particular, seek to identify and explore potential solutions and share ideas that will drive positive and enduring change at Ambulance Victoria.

These discussions will be focused mainly on developing a deeper understanding of different views, potential solutions and ideas that will promote a safe, equal and inclusive organisation. If you would like to share a personal account of discrimination, sexual harassment, victimisation, bullying or other workplace inequality, please consider making a written submission to the review (submissions close on 31 May 2021).

The focus groups will be facilitated by two experienced Commission staff members in a safe and supportive environment. Each focus group will consider six to eight questions and be conducted over two hours, with around 10 participants per focus group.

Three of the focus groups are designed to capture insights and perspectives from current and former staff and first responders at all levels of Ambulance Victoria.

We encourage you to submit your EOI to participate one or more of three focus groups outlined below.

Date Topic Location Time
Monday,
24 May
What does a good experience of working flexibly look like at Ambulance Victoria? Online (MS Teams) 10am – 12pm
Wednesday,
26 May
How should Ambulance Victoria be promoting and prioritising workplace equality? Ballarat Town Hall, Trench Room, Level One, 225 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central 11am – 1pm

Light refreshments provided

Friday,
28 May
How should Ambulance Victoria be promoting and prioritising workplace equality? Online (MS Teams) 2pm – 4pm

 

Throughout May, the Commission will also be bringing together a range of key experts in two additional focus groups that will explore:

  • What are the key features of a modern and professional Ambulance service?
  • What is the role of Boards in promoting and prioritising workplace equality?

Who can submit an EOI?

We welcome EOIs from current and former AV employees and first responders.

The focus groups will seek to explore a range of different perspectives and insights on a particular topic. To support the discussion, we are hoping for a diverse range of voices and views at the focus groups. We therefore particularly encourage women, graduate paramedics, staff from corporate services, people with disabilities, people from multicultural and multi-faith backgrounds, LGBTQI+ people, people from regional and rural locations, and people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander to participate.

How do I submit an EOI?

Please register your interest by emailing us at AVreview@veohrc.vic.gov.au  and provide your name and contact number, which focus group you would like to participate in and 1–2 paragraphs describing your role(s) over the last five years and how any experience, expertise or knowledge you have relates to the focus group topic. Please submit your EOI by 12pm, 13 May 2021.

You may also provide this information to us via our hotline (1300 395 726). All information provided as part of this EOI process will not be shared outside of the Commission and will be stored confidentially.

How will interested participants be selected?

We are looking to recruit around 10 participants for each focus group, to enable each participant to input and opportunity to contribute.

If we receive more expressions of interest than the available places, we will select participants based on the responses to the selection criteria and that enables a broad representation of the AV workforce, including roles, backgrounds, experiences and contributions to be made at the focus groups.

If we are not able to accommodate your participation in a focus group, we encourage you to consider contributing your perspectives via a written submission to the review.

We will notify you about whether you have been selected to participate in a focus group by close of business 14 May 2021. Thank you in advance for taking the time to prepare an EOI to participate – we greatly appreciate your contribution.

How will the Commission use information obtained during focus groups?

The information shared during focus groups will be used to inform our understanding of workplace equality in Ambulance Victoria and our recommendations to improve future practice.

We may use de-identified information, including quotes and stories shared in the focus groups, in our final report. We will not use any de-identified information without first providing you with an opportunity to agree and provide your informed consent before publication.

If you decide to participate and then change your mind, you just need to let the Commission know and you can withdraw consent at any time before 23 November 2021.

How do I get more information about focus groups or the review?

If you have any questions about the review or the focus groups, please visit our website, call us on the hotline (1300 395 726), or email us at AVreview@veohrc.vic.gov.au.

We look forward to receiving your EOIs and seeing some of you in focus groups over the coming weeks.

Take care
The Review Team

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Level 3, 204 Lygon Street Carlton Victoria 3053

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enquiries@veohrc.vic.gov.au

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The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission acknowledges that we work on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We also work remotely and serve communities on the lands of other Traditional Custodians.

We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.