At UCWB we are connected and inclusive. We value our differences and we pledge our commitment in the following ways:
RECONCILIATION
We commit ourselves to the reconciliation journey and to walking together with the First Nations people of these lands, waters and skies.
We recognise that the land we work on is the land of the Kaurna people, and that this land was never given up.
We honour the wisdom, knowledge and skills of the Kaurna people and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.
We commit ourselves to a just, equitable and reconciled Australia, through listening, learning and action.
Voice to Parliament – Position Statement
In March 2023, the UCWB Board made a historic decision – it approved a statement about the First Nations Voice to Parliament referendum, which will be held in October. This statement says that UCWB supports a “yes” vote in the referendum to change the Australian constitution:
“…UCWB is deeply committed to reconciliation and justice. We support the Uluru Statement from the Heart. And we believe Australia cannot walk the path of reconciliation and justice without Voice, Treaty and Truth…’
View the full statement here.
DIVERSTY
UCWB recognises everyone is unique and deserves to be heard, feel safe and valued.
We are committed to cultivating an environment where LGBTQIA+ employees and customers can work and live as their authentic selves, without judgement, without discrimination and free from harassment.
We celebrate the power of difference and the strength that harnessing our differences creates. We value and welcome the experience and expertise of all those of any sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics.
We know that lasting, meaningful change for our LGBTQIA+ employees and customers requires honest reflection, transparency, and real action. Our first LGBTQIA+ Action Plan, guided by the Rainbow Tick principles, is focused on the following activities over the next 12 months:
- Building and strengthening our organisational capability
- Supporting our workforce by offering a range of training and development tools and resources
- Creating a welcoming and accessible organisation by committing to inclusive practice
CHILD SAFE ENVIRONMENT
Principle 2: Children and young people are informed about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
We commit to the following principles and actions:
2.1 All Uniting Church entities will work to inform children, young people and their families with information about their rights, including to safety, information and participation.
2.2 In our interactions with and decision-making impacting on children and young people, we will recognise the importance of friendships and encourage support from peers in helping children feel safe and connected.
2.3 Where relevant to the setting or context, we will consider the need to ensure children have access to sexual abuse prevention information that is appropriate to the age and context.
2.4 We will ensure our staff and volunteers are familiar with the signs of abuse and grooming and are skilled to facilitate child friendly ways for children to express their views and raise concerns.