The Caroline Chisholm Society has a duty of care to all service users and recognises and supports our service user’s rights to self-determination, independence and dignity. The Society acknowledges the importance of diversity as an essential characteristic of communities which are rich, vigorous, creative and challenging; values diversity of thought and experience and believes that our inclusive and collaborative culture strengthens our organisation and contributes to successful client outcomes, and is committed to:

• a society in which respect for difference is accompanied by equality of opportunity, achievement of human dignity and the achievement of social justice.
• cultural diversity in the development of an inclusive organisation and in the provision of services into communities where the Society has a presence.

The Caroline Chisholm Society celebrates and promotes this diversity and inclusive practice and consistently attempt to address the main drivers of social exclusion: poverty, unemployment, poor educational outcomes, poor health and wellbeing, lack of access to social supports and exclusion from services and discrimination.

The Caroline Chisholm Society uses diversity sensitive practices and provides all those accessing services or participating in the work of the Society with a welcoming, inclusive environment.

All activities, systems and programs promote inclusive practice, ensuring an inclusive environment for all staff and individuals that complies with anti-discrimination legislation.

As far as is practicable, disclosures regarding personal diversity are determined by the individual, and confidentiality is maintained by our organisation.

The Society aims to accommodate the specific needs of clients who experience disadvantage and increased risk whether due to socioeconomic factors, educational or literacy issues, cultural background, or disability and have systems in place to allow consumers to self-identify.

To ensure best practice in the development and implementation of inclusive practices the Society reviews its process using the Cultural Competence in Australia: A Guide (FECCA 2019).