WAPHA has
recently updated our three cultural competency, equity and inclusion
frameworks:
Together,
these frameworks provide a clear and coordinated approach to
improving equity, safety and inclusion across WAPHA, our commissioned service
providers and the primary health care system.
Stronger and clearer articulation
of accountability has been incorporated across all
frameworks, with accountability framed as a shared
responsibility that applies at every level of the organisation.
Accountability
through commissioning and system levers
The updated
frameworks place stronger emphasis on commissioning as a
key mechanism for accountability. Cultural competency, equity and
inclusion requirements are integrated into procurement
processes, contractual agreements and performance monitoring.
Commissioned service providers are expected to
demonstrate their commitment to the framework standards. This
includes providing evidence of engaging in ongoing
quality improvement.
WAPHA’s role
includes monitoring and evaluating commissioned service providers using
evidence within performance and quality reporting processes and publishing
regular updates on the implementation of the
frameworks. This approach supports transparency and
continuous improvement across the primary health care system.
From
commitment to measurable and continuous improvement
The
updated accountability sections across the frameworks reinforce that meaningful progress
requires more than commitment alone. Cultural competency, equity and
inclusion must be actively embedded into workforce capability, organisational
culture and service delivery. This includes ensuring access to relevant
training, education and culturally safe workplaces, and engaging respectfully
with internal and external stakeholders and
communities.
Seeking and
responding to feedback, reporting on outcomes and actions, utilising lived
experience expertise and evidence, and adjusting approaches where
gaps or barriers are identified are central to genuine
accountability.
