Ambulance Victoria review – Update 8 (26 July 2021)
Work on the final report is progressing for our independent review into workplace equality in Ambulance Victoria. This July update recaps the two expert focus groups we hosted earlier in the month and highlights some key issues and themes that have emerged during the review and which will be addressed in the final report.
26 July 2021
I am pleased to provide the eighth update on the Commission’s Independent review into workplace equality in Ambulance Victoria.
On the road with AV
Some of you may know that I had the privilege of joining AV on an observational visit just over a week ago. What a day!
We started at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, where I had time to chat with Ambulance Victoria’s staff. I saw firsthand some of the challenges with ramping at hospitals and began to get an insight into a day in the life of a paramedic. I was warmly welcomed for a spontaneous cuppa with folks on a break at the Sunshine branch. I was pleased to know that they had all heard about the review at some level. On our way to Sunshine Hospital, we responded to a cardiac arrest and I had the experience of rushing to a house with lights and sirens on.
The entire afternoon galvanised my appreciation of the entire Ambulance Victoria team. Our review and recommendations are so important for your wellbeing, as you continue to look after the wellbeing of all Victorians.
I am truly grateful to everyone who generously gave up their time to make this experience possible.
Expert focus groups
My team and I have also been busy over the past few weeks hosting two expert focus groups. I am extremely grateful to everyone who generously shared their expertise and time during these focus groups.
Final report
The team and I have been poring over the survey results, reading your written submissions and reminding ourselves of the experiences and views you shared with us in interviews and focus groups by reviewing the transcripts. We have also been carefully analysing all of the documents that Ambulance Victoria has shared with us.
We have learnt so much and are incredibly grateful to you for trusting us with your stories. You truly have shaped the review and the findings and recommendations to come.
Work on the final report is progressing at the same time. A draft of one chapter is already complete and many other chapters are already underway.
You may be wondering about the key issues and themes that have emerged during the review and which will be addressed in the final report. Some of these are captured below.
- The nature, extent, impact and drivers of discrimination, sexual harassment, victimisation and bullying (unlawful conduct) and other forms of workplace inequality
- How AV seeks to prevent and respond to unlawful conduct and other forms of workplace inequality
- Experiences of making a report or complaint about unlawful conduct
- Equal representation, pay and progression
- Workplace flexibility and accessibility, including through reasonable adjustments and support for employees who are pregnant, parents or carers
- Leadership, values and workforce engagement
- Organisational capability, risk management and continuous improvement
- Embedding workplace equality in Ambulance Victoria
As we further our analysis and the report, our findings and recommendations continue to crystalise. We have already shared some of the early emerging themes with the Board and Executive Committee, as well as the unions and professional associations. We will continue to do this in keeping with our ‘no surprises’ approach and to help prepare the organisation’s leadership to implement changes that are needed.
Over the coming months, we’ll also be consulting on our recommendations to test their feasibility and appropriateness for the operating context of Ambulance Victoria.
I am committed to keeping you updated as our work progresses.
Until next month, take care
Ro Allen
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner