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PM names Hunter New England Health ‘Employer of the Year’
Last night, Hunter New England Health was awarded the prestigious Prime Minister’s Employer of the Year Award, as well as taking out the Large Employer Category. It is the second consecutive year Hunter New England Health has won the Large Employer Category, cementing the organisation’s reputation as a National leader of employment of people with a disability.
The Award recognises dedication and innovation in the recruitment and retention of staff with a disability, and a commitment to further the opportunities available to these employees.
Acting Chief Executive of Hunter New England Health Nigel Lyons said the accolade recognised the ongoing work and inroads made in the employment of staff with a disability over the past 12 months.
“A great deal of work has been done in the past 12 months to warrant this prestigious recognition. This award reaffirms our organisation’s values - a display of teamwork, respect, commitment and excellence,” Dr Lyons said.
Hunter New England Health currently has eight employees under the Apprenticeship Program for People with Disabilities, with another four soon to commence.
The organisation has a total of 415 employees with a disability employed as part of the Hunter New England Health team.
Hunter New England Health provides comprehensive job training and support, tutorial assistance and work sampling opportunities for many young and mature aged apprentices.
“Hunter New England Health has a long history of successfully placing, training and appointing candidates with a physical or intellectual disability. As the largest employer in the region, we have a community responsibility to provide opportunities for people with disabilities,” Dr Lyons said.
“Many of our existing apprentices have blossomed into workplace leaders.
“We have a strong presence across our communities for Equal Employment Opportunities and a workplace culture that values the diversity of the individuals who work for Hunter New England Health,” he said.
Hunter New England Health has an active and successful disability employment program, which utilises the services of a disability employment network provider, Castle Personnel, to locate suitable job seekers with a disability, as well as partnerships with the Department of Education and Training/Department of Education, Science and Training funded Apprenticeship Program for People with a Disability.
Positions for these job seekers include maintenance work, electronics technicians and administrative traineeships and apprenticeships.
The Prime Minister’s Employer of the Year Awards showcase organisations that demonstrate leadership, innovation and creativity in the employment of people with disability.
Businesses must show a commitment to increasing the number and proportion of people employed with disability, proportionate to the size of the organisation, and commitment to achieving sustainability in the employment of people with disability.
The criteria also requires demonstration of a commitment to achieving inclusion in the workplace for people with disability, and a commitment to improving workplace performance and productivity through the employment of people with disability.
Hunter New England Health annually reviews an Equal Employment Opportunity Management Plan, which includes a reasonable adjustment policy to assist managers and supervisors to provide a workplace where people with a disability can participate and contribute fully to their work teams.
Almost all of the apprentices and trainees taken on by Hunter New England Health have continued into long-term employment with the organisation.
Media: To arrange a photo opportunity or interview with a member of the Hunter New England Health EEO team, please contact Nicole Fuller on 0408 665 019.
Contact: Nicole Fuller
Phone: (02) 6767 7136
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