Bupa puts First Nations health at the centre of Reconciliation Action Plan
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Bupa launches its third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for 2023 – 2026 which sets out how it will deepen its commitments to help improve health outcomes for First Nations Peoples in Australia.
The “Stretch RAP”, developed in consultation with Bupa’s RAP Working Group, First Nations Employee Network and external First Nations advisors focus on improved health equity, indigenous employment and procurement along with cultural awareness and education.
In addition to an increased focus on supporting efforts to close the gap in health equity, Bupa will uplift existing efforts to purchase goods and services from First Nations suppliers and increase efforts to recruit, retain, and advance First Nations employees within the organisation.
“The conversation about how best to work with Australia’s Traditional Owners and learn from one of the oldest continuous cultures in the world is gaining momentum as we prepare for an expected referendum on a constitutional voice to Parliament, which Bupa supports,” said Nick Stone, Action CEO for Bupa APAC.
This is complemented by an ongoing commitment to building cultural awareness and understanding with our people, customers, and the broader community.
Beyond fostering new opportunities for First Nations people within our organisation, Bupa will seek to partner with First Nations-led healthcare organisations and other institutions to help support better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Stone highlighted that these key focus areas reflect Bupa’s strengths and scale as a diverse health and care company and believe this is where Bupa can make the most difference in its commitment to reconciliation.
“Bupa’s vision for reconciliation is an Australia where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enjoy equity and equality, and are living longer, healthier, happier lives, as we work together to make a better world,” said Stone.
Bupa launched its first Reconciliation Action Plan in 2015 followed by an updated plan in 2018.
“The development of our latest Reconciliation Action Plan has been an important one for us, empowering our people to grow our understanding and awareness of First Nations cultures and reflect on the true histories and challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families and communities.”
“It has provided a framework under which we now deliver tangible social, cultural and economic benefits for and with First Nations peoples,” he added.
Related: CVA and the Bupa Foundation join forces to promote a healthy planet for healthy people
Menchie Khairuddin is a writer Deputy Content Manager at Akolade and content producer for Third Sector News. She is passionate about social affairs specifically in mixed, multicultural heritage and not-for-profit organisations.
