headspace National Awarded Rainbow Tick accreditation

headspace National is proud to announce that it has achieved Rainbow Tick accreditation, a nationally recognised symbol of inclusive practice for organisations that demonstrate cultural safety and support for the LGBTIQA+ community. 

Rainbow Health Victoria created Rainbow Tick as a quality framework to help organisations show that they are safe, inclusive and affirming services and employers for the LGBTIQA+ community. 

It is independently assessed by accredited bodies including Quality Innovation Performance (QIP). To achieve accreditation, headspace was reviewed against six national standards to ensure our services and workplaces are safe, inclusive and respectful for LGBTIQA+ young people, families and staff. These standards looked at: 

  • How headspace is set up as an organisation to support inclusion at every level 

  • How headspace train and support our staff to understand and meet the needs of LGBTIQA+ communities 

  • How young people, families and communities are involved in shaping headspace services 

  • How welcoming and accessible headspace spaces and systems are for everyone 

  • How headspace collect and handle personal information in ways that are respectful and safe 

  • How headspace make sure their services are culturally safe and affirming for LGBTIQA+ people. 

This achievement reflects the work of many across headspace who have contributed to creating safe, respectful and welcoming environments for LGBTIQA+ young people, families, staff and communities we support. 

Rainbow Tick accreditation is one part of the organisation’s broader commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. headspace recently launched the four-year Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan, which will further the commitment to providing a workplace where everyone belongs, feels safe and has fair access to growth. 

headspace Chief Clinical Officer, Vikki Ryall, said:  

“Achieving Rainbow Tick accreditation reflects years of listening, learning and strengthening how we support LGBTIQA+ young people, families and staff. For headspace it’s a meaningful recognition of our commitment to safe, inclusive and affirming services and workplaces for everyone. 

“This accreditation shows our commitment to supporting LGBTIQA+ young people. It’s our DNA, embedded in how we work and show up for the LGBTIQA+ community every day.” 

Executive Director People and Culture, Nicole Harvey, said:  

“This achievement is a credit to the hard work of all headspace staff in helping shape a workplace where everyone can feel safe, supported and valued. Rainbow Tick accreditation is a testament to the inclusive culture that headspace continues to build. 

“I’m proud of what this means for our people and the young people we support. Inclusion is an ongoing process, and headspace is committed to continually improving and looking for ways to be a safer and more welcoming organisation.”