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University signs agreement with NDRC
The University of the Sunshine Coast has signed an agreement with the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator (NDRC) to streamline its recruitment of staff with disability.
As part of the agreement, USC will promote the benefits of employing people with disability across the University and develop strategies, policies and processes to assist in their recruitment and retention.
The University will receive strong support from the NDRC, which is administered by WorkFocus Australia and funded by the Australian Government to create new job opportunities for those who participate in Disability Employment Services.
The NDRC will help USC implement practices for the employment of people with disability and also provide professional development programs for managers and co-workers.
USC’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill said the agreement highlighted the University’s commitment to diversity in the workplace, which benefitted staff and students.
“We are keen to lead the way in ensuring our workplace is barrier-free for employees with disability, as we have done in providing for our students with disability,” he said.
Professor Hill said USC had one of the highest ratios of students with disability for universities across Australia and provided a wide range of disability support services.
These services were recognised late last year by the Spinal Injuries Association, which presented USC with an award for the Best Local Business/Community Service Provider in the Sunshine Coast region.
General Manager of the NDRC, Lucy Macali, said that many large organisations employed workers with disability because it made good business sense.
She said people with disability often had lower absenteeism levels and fewer accidents at work. The costs of hiring could be significantly lower due to Disability Employment Services support, and there were many other benefits.
“Employing people with disability can build staff morale and teamwork, raise management awareness of positive workplace practices and conditions and increase customer and staff loyalty,” she said.
For more information on the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator program, go to www.jobaccess.gov.au or call 1800 001 821.
— Terry Walsh