Help create inclusive local jobs

Why did we create the Inclusive Employment Program?

In 2018, Banyule City Council’s Local Jobs Taskforce, led by Cr. Rick Garotti, explored how council was best placed to respond to localised unemployment among vulnerable community groups in Banyule. In collaboration with community, this led to the co-creation of the Inclusive Employment Program, as well as other initiatives.

The program was designed to help Banyule Council harness its role as a major employer and facilitator of an inclusive economy so that all local people can participate in the opportunities of Banyule's strong economy and enjoy the financial and social benefits of employment. It also gives Banyule Council the opportunity and responsibility of role modelling the change that needs to happen across workplaces for them to become truly inclusive and diverse.

Local governments play an important role in their communities as a facilitator of an inclusive economy and are well placed to lead targeted place-based initiatives that address barriers and create inclusive local job opportunities for local residents.

The Inclusive Employment Program is one part of our place-based response to tackling unemployment and has contributed to Council achieving 102 job outcomes within a three-year period.

The program is evidence-based and outcomes-focused, drawing on best practice in inclusive employment and the Australian Government's Core Skills for Work Developmental Framework. A theory of change illustrates the desired change as a result of implementing the program. Further a program logic model illustrates program activities and the short, medium and long-term outcomes expected to result in for participants, Council and the community, and links all program activities to expected outcomes and impact.

This program continues to have a significant impact on the lives of many Banyule residents, and our Council benefits too. We have increased access to diverse talent that enhances the diversity and inclusion of our workplace. This allows us to more accurately reflect and meet the needs of Banyule's diverse communities, and it also helps us to experience higher performance by increasing job satisfaction, enhancing innovation and improving customer service.

Within the first few years of the program running, some of the outcomes achieved include:

• 52 local residents secured a position at council and completed the program
• 29 alumni secured ongoing employment at Banyule Council, with a further 8 alumni obtaining casual roles
• 11 alumni secured external employment opportunities
• Increased confidence in workplace skills
• Increased understanding of local government
• Increased motivation to work in local government long-term
• Growth in social and professional networks
• Renewed job satisfaction and engagement among Council staff.

The Banyule inclusive Employment Program has social and economical outcomes that benefit program participants, councils and their communities.

Benefits for program participants

• Access to meaningful and paid employment tailored to their interests, goals, strengths and ability
• Increased competency in core skills for work and development planning, boosting employability
• Access to apply for internal vacancies at Banyule City Council
• Direct and supported contact with local labour market
• Growth in social and professional networks
• More confidence at work and in planning for the future
• Increased connection to the local community and an enhanced sense of belonging.

Benefits for Councils

• Ability to proactively address local unemployment and improve the wellbeing of vulnerable community members
• Improved engagement with people from vulnerable community groups
• Stronger engagement and collaboration with local employers and community services
• Stronger and more inclusive local economies
• Better business performance through enhanced workforce diversity and access to talented people
• Improved ability to meet the needs of diverse communities and deliver sustainable outcomes for the community
• Improved staff morale and engagement
• A higher profile in the local community and recognition as a local employer of choice.

Benefits for the community

• Disruption to intergenerational inequality
• Increased economic participation generates benefits to the local economy and supports social cohesion
• Stronger relationships between residents and Council
• Stronger connections to stakeholders in economic participation e.g. employment service providers, vocational training, social enterprises
• Ongoing opportunities to engage directly with Council and collaborate on solutions to local issues
• Improved Council services available.

Watch these video stories on what it's like to be involved in the program from some of the previous participants: