1. Workshop 2: Qualified but not Recognised -
Sam Afra JP
Robert Gruhn
Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria
21 September 2016

2. ABOUT ECCV Established in 1974 Peak advocacy organisation
ECCV lobbies all levels of governments
Membership based organisation
220 members (individuals & community organisations)
Representing 70,000 members across Victoria

3. Overview
Aim of this workshop – how to support the recognition of overseas qualifications to enrich workplace cultural diversity
Discuss two ECCV papers:
‘Qualified but not Recognised’ Discussion Paper
‘A Positive Disruption’ Employment Policy Brief
General discussion and questions

4. Qualified but not Recognised Discussion Paper
Key findings:
Finding a job can be difficult for new migrants, especially in obtaining the appropriate recognition of overseas qualifications
Some migrants take jobs below their skill level
Key recommendations:
One-stop-shop information hubs
Adequately resource Victorian Overseas Qualifications Unit
Public review

5. A Positive Disruption: More Diversity in Local Councils
Key findings:
Increasing cultural diversity is right way to go in local councils
Training needed to change recruitment and address unconscious bias
Still obstacles and risks

6. A Positive Disruption- in more detail
Background:
MAV hosted roundtable with HR managers from local councils
Many attended were younger from culturally diverse backgrounds
Key points:
Increasing cultural diversity ‘right way to go’
Benefits often not understood and not filtered into hiring
‘Not cultural fit’ a common excuse
Training needed to change recruitment approaches and unconscious bias

7. A Positive Disruption- in more detail
Barriers:
Diversity policies not effective in practice
Questionable recruitment practices e.g. interviews, focus on local experience and selection criteria
Solutions:
Increase capacity and training – including on unconscious bias and cultural diversity
Change recruitment process and culture
Recognise additional skills
Community leaders on panel
Accessible language
Mentoring

8. Discussion questions
Are there particular issues you are aware of relating to recognition of overseas qualifications for local councils?
What do you think local councils could do to improve their policies and practices to recognise overseas qualifications and skills adequately?
What are the ‘positive disruptions’ that you think can happen in bringing new ideas and experience to a less diverse team?
What have you experienced as the main barriers to increasing the cultural diversity of your workplace?
In your opinion, does the economic case for cultural diversity stack up for local councils?
Can you share some stories of increasing cultural diversity in your workplace?

9. Thank you! Useful resources:
Qualified but not Recognised Discussion Paper
A Positive Disruption Policy Brief
Available on the ECCV website:
Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria
Contact: Robert Gruhn
Distribute copies of the report after the presentation