National Group Prospectus and Expression of Interest. September Architects Male Champions of Change

Transcription

1 National Group Prospectus and Expression of Interest September 2018 Architects Male Champions of Change

2 The Australian Institute of Architects Architecture is more than a profession; it is a vital force that builds a better community. A strong and respected architectural profession delivers measurable benefits not only to an individual client or project but extending beyond to improve the quality and sustainability of our built environment. The Institute s vision is a strong architectural profession that inspires clients and promotes community and the public interest through exceptional design and an ethical approach to the built environment. This informs the Institute s mission to develop and promote a strong architectural profession and be the public voice for architecture. The Institute is a national body consisting of over 11,000 members across Australia and overseas. The membership consists of architects, graduate and emerging architects, architectural students, architecture faculty and international members. Members have the opportunity to take advantage of programs, products and services, developed by the profession for the profession. This prospectus provides information on an important program the Architects Male Champions of Change that encapsulates these objectives and aligns with the strategic priorities and pathways under one of the Key Outcome Areas identified in the Australian Institute of Architects Strategy : Key Outcome Area 1.0 Respected Leadership Strategic Priority 1.4 Champion Social and Environmental Justice in the Built Environment A strategic pathway identified under this strategic priority was to review the potential for a national roll-out of the Champions of Change program. This document outlines the Institute s approach to this opportunity.

3 1.0 About the Male Champions of Change The Male Champions of Change initiative brings together male leaders to use their influence to elevate women s representation in leadership on the national business agenda. The Male Champions of Change is an initiative founded in 2010 under then Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, who brought together a group of 25 male CEOs and use their individual and collective influence to ensure that the issue of women s representation in leadership is elevated on the national business agenda. Since then, the Male Champions of Change (MCC) Institute has worked with influential leaders to redefine men s role in taking action on gender inequality. It has activated peer groups of influential male leaders, supporting them to step up beside women, and driving the adoption of actions across both the private sector and government. The first MCC peer group, the Founding Group, began in 2010 with eight Australian leaders and has since grown to a group of 30 CEOs, Board Directors, Government Department, University and Military leaders. New groups are forming across different organisations, sectors and geographies. The MCC coalition now encompasses eight groups including Architects amounting to around 160 leaders across Australia. The heart of The Male Champions of Change strategy involves men of power and influence forming a high-profile coalition to achieve change on gender equality issues in organisations and communities. Male Champions of Change take the following approach to get moving, get momentum and accelerate their impact: Meet at least four times a year as a group. As this is a leadership strategy, no delegates are accepted. Agree on a shared purpose, clear priorities and publicly commit to using individual and collective leadership and resources to advance gender equity. Establish a support team that works to ensure delivery on individual and shared commitments. Sharing experiences, data and reflect on leadership. Listening widely and developing personal insights into the issues and opportunities for improvement. Working together to identify and implement progressive, high impact actions that disrupt the status quo and create meaningful and lasting change. Lead with action and advocacy, working within and across organisations and collectively at a community level. Being accountable, evaluating and sharing experiences and results widely, and encouraging peers and teams to participate in the strategy. The approach is simple, practical and adaptable but it does require commitment. Male Champions genuinely want to lead meaningful action toward change.

4 1.1 About the Architects Male Champions of Change Formed as a program within the Australian Institute of Architects, the Architects Male Champions of Change is part of the national Male Champions of Change initiative. The Architects Male Champions of Change was formed as a program within the Australian Institute of Architects NSW Chapter in 2015 and is part of the national Male Champions of Change initiative. The Founding Group of the Architects Male Champions of Change comprises eight large practices with offices in Sydney, brought together by a common recognition of the distinct gap of senior women in Australian architect practices, as identified by ARC funded research, and a commitment to proactively work together to address this issue within the architectural industry. Since inception the Founding Group s achievements to date include: Panel Pledge Champions agreed on a Panel Pledge, requesting panels reflect gender balance Flexibility Survey A survey was held accumulating data on flexible work practices in architecture from 900 designers employed in Champion practices. The findings revealed a flexible working culture. (A follow up survey is scheduled for July 2018 to further explore the utilisation and impact of flexible work practices and compare with original survey results.) Parental Leave Analysis between Champion practices An All Roles Flex policy guideline, to assist individual practices to prepare their own All Roles Flex policies Gender Metrics Data collection from individual practices Submissions Ratio Data collection measuring the gender mix across project roles in submissions by Champion practices Authentic Engagement: a commitment by Champion practices to build the profile of women in architecture to encourage an inclusive approach to networking within the construction industry All practices are also signatories to the Male Champions of Change publications, Closing the Gender Pay Gap, Everyday Sexism and Backlash and Buy In. The Architects Male Champions of Change National Group The Architects Male Champions of Change is now keen to progress its work and recognises the need to grow the program both within NSW and nationally to do so. The Institute supports the potential growth of the program in line with its Strategy To this end this prospectus identifies the nature of the opportunity and commitment for member practices to submit expressions of interest in joining a new Architects Male Champions of Change National Group.

5 2.0 The Architects Male Champions of Change Charter As a Champion Practice you will agree to financially and practically support and to aspire and work to the spirit of the Australian Institute of Architects Male Champions of Change Charter. We acknowledge The importance of promoting and supporting equitable workplaces within the architecture profession. We recognise The value our collaboration and leadership can bring to addressing the systematic, often unintended and invisible effects that continue to impact on the participation, progression and attrition of women from the architectural profession. We therefore commit to Actively advancing gender equality across our practice, and to Act as advocates for gender equality within the architectural profession. We will achieve change by advancing Equity in Participation: Taking action to support gender equity in relation to recruitment, retention, performance management, promotion, talent identification, succession planning and training. Equity in Leadership: Taking action to improve gender equity in leadership positions/bodies. Equity in Pay: Addressing the pay gap within our organisations. Flexible Workplace: Enabling alternative and flexible career paths and working arrangements; and supporting employees in meeting family or carer responsibilities. Consultative Workplace: Developing consultation policies and strategies on issues concerning gender equity in the workplace. Advocacy: Advocating for gender equality within the profession. Influence: Supporting the Male Champions of Change program and influence change amongst our peers. We agree to Measure our progress, benchmark best practice and report annually on our response to the above.

6 3.0 An opportunity and a commitment the specifics Who is involved? Champion Practices are required to nominate the (male) Champion (CEO or equivalent within Practice) who will represent the practice at bi-monthly meetings, as well as the Implementation Leader(s) who will assist in progressing the work plan of the program on behalf of the practice. All representatives are required to be members of the Institute (either individually or through their practice) and to participate in the work required by the program, as requested by the convenor. Of the Founding Group, all current Champions are senior (director/partner) male practice members. One female member of the group holds a Special Advisor role in place of a practice male Champion. Currently both males and females hold Implementation Leader positions in all practices, with the number per practice varying with practice size. How does it work? Nominated Champions from the Champion Practice participate in bi-monthly Champion-only meetings, as per an agreed Schedule, convened by the MCC Professional Convenor. Through these meetings the Group Program is developed. An integral aspect of the MCC program is the Listening and Learning process, whereby Champions meet with and listen to peers, gender experts and

7 employees to learn about existing thinking and experiences in their practices. The Listening and Learning outcomes are recorded, reported and are translated into practical action. Nominated Champion and Implementation Leader(s) also participate in bimonthly Implementation Leader meetings, as per an agreed schedule to implement the resulting practical actions. What does it cost? The activities and work program are conducted in accordance with an agreed budget. The program is fully funded by participating member practices with all costs covered by the participating practices including the engagement of an external consultant/program convenor, as well as the provision of secretariat support and financial management provided by the NSW Chapter. Practices are required to make four payments per annum in each year of the program term, payable quarterly. The final quarterly payment per annum will be adjusted to account for increases or savings in the total annual costs for the program in that year, divided equally between all program practice partners. The eight current Champion Practices each contribute $15,000+GST annually for program membership. This payment covers Funding Contribution to MCC Community of Practices, MCC Professional Convenor expenses, Institute Secretariat and administrative support and production of output (eg reports, surveys). Program member practices also meet all other internal/direct costs incurred by the practice as part of their participation in the program eg travel, provision of meeting rooms and other resources, internal staff surveys etc. What is the time and resource commitment? The time and resource commitment required to properly meet the objectives of the MCC program are significant and the minimum commitment period is two years ( ). It is expected that the Architects Male Champions of Change National Group will undertake a similar program of work to that undertaken by the Founding group over the past three years, and ultimately combine with the National Group once they have completed the foundation work. The National Group Program , which will include specific details of the above, will be devised in consultation with the National Group practices once the makeup of the group is known on completion of the EOI and assessment process. The number and location of practices will determine the meeting locations and program costs.

8 4.0 Next steps becoming a Champion Practice The Architects Male Champions of Change Progress Report details the program process, timeline, activities and findings and is recommended reading for any potential Champion Practice. Download the report >> The Architects Male Champions of Change Progress Report details the program process, timeline, activities and findings and is recommended reading for any potential Champion practice. Practices are invited to submit an expression of interest in joining the Architects Champions of Change National Group and will be required to provide the following as part of the online EOI process: Evidence of a dedicated commitment to advancing gender equity within their own practice CV of proposed Champion [CEO or equivalent within Practice] showing evidence of leadership Confirmation on practice numbers Gender Metrics reporting eg WGEA, if possible Confirmation on financial commitment Confirmation on practice commitment for change Agreement to commit the practice to the program for a two year period. New champion practices will need to undertake a similar program of work to that undertaken by the founding group over the past three years. Each Champion Practice will be required to make an organisational and financial commitment to the program. An indicative value of financial commitment will be advised, dependent on number of practices participating, prior to issue of formal invitation and partnership agreement. Program convenor Dr Jess Murphy will meet with potential Champions/Practices to discuss the processes, workload and commitments of time and resources involved in becoming a Champion practice prior to formal invitation to join the program being issued. On acceptance of formal invitation to join Architects Champions of Change Program your practice will be required to sign an Australian Institute of Architects NSW Chapter Champion Practice Program Agreement that outlines the schedule of inclusions and commitments attributed to a Champion Practice for the Architects Male Champions of Change program, convened under the auspices of the Australian Institute of Architects. An indicative Agreement Overview is included in this prospectus. Note: If insufficient Expressions of Interest are received to support the program as a self-funding project (minimum = 8), then the Institute reserves the right not to proceed with an expanded program. Expressions of interest should be submitted online by 28 September Submit an EOI >>

9 5.0 Timeline 3 September EOI process opens 28 September EOI process closes 2018 October EOI assessment period October/ November Invitations issued to and agreements signed and submitted by new Champions 27 November Proposed first meeting of new and current Champions (Sydney) National program formally commences to program TBA Contact For further information on this prospectus or Architects Champions of Change, or to arrange discussion with a current Champion, please contact Joshua Morrin, Executive Director NSW, Australian Institute of Architects. Tusculum, 3 Manning Street Potts Point NSW 3000 P / E / joshua.morrin@architecture.com.au

10 The Champion experience in their own words Crone are one of the inaugural 2015 members of the Architects Male Champions of Change. By publicly committing to equality Crone as a business has benefited from diversity, as have our staff. The commitment to flexible working policies, favourable Maternity / Paternity benefits and monitored gender metrics provide a level of transparency we have to live up to. It s good to be held accountable. As a Special Advisor and female, I feel privileged to be part of this group. I have experienced firsthand how Male Leaders in our profession can make a tremendous difference to equality. By standing up and clearly articulating this issue we make our future fair. When leaders stand up change happens. Kathlyn Loseby (Crone Architects) Special Advisor In lots of ways we might have been ignorant of some of the challenges that people faced and some of the obstacles that people felt because we haven t had to deal with them. So what was really refreshing is understanding that we do have a problem and that we are addressing it now as best we can. Brian Clohessy (BVN)) Male Champion of Change The Architects Male Champions of Change group has assisted Bates Smart to adopt more flexible work practices, and a range of other initiatives in improve gender equality in our profession. These measures will be a fundamental shift in how we practice architecture this century. A more balanced workplace with a diversity of views and approaches is what we believe will be required to create the places of tomorrow. I am proud to be leading these changes and creating a more equitable world for my children. Philip Vivian (Bates Smart) Male Champion of Change The Champions of Change program is an opportunity to understand and discuss issues around workplace and gender with other practices in an open collegiate forum. Through discussion we have developed a set of practical guiding policies and actions. With implementation over time these should materially help address equitable participation in practice. Joe Agius (Cox) Male Champion of Change

11 6.0 Champion practice Terms and Conditions Agreement overview As a Champion Practice your agreement will include: Designation Architects Male Champions of Change, Champion Practice. Professional Convenor The Institute will engage, on behalf of Champion practices, Dr Jess Murphy, to support the leadership and direction of the program. Costs of the MCC Convenor, including professional fees and travel costs, are borne by the Program budget. Not included are additional items, including: Make-up meeting calls by the Convenor, for Champions absent from bi-monthly meetings. Where calls are required, the associated charges will be passed on to the respective Champion Practice. New Joiners: in the instance of new Champions or Special Advisors joining the program, the associated Convenor s costs of inducting new joiners will be passed on to the respective Champion Practice. Institute Secretariat The Institute will provide a secretariat (including a program resource) to support the work of the program. This will include administering, coordinating and planning to ensure that the program achieves its strategic and budgetary outcomes. Specifically, this will include the following: Organisation of program meetings including issuing invitations, and preparation and issue of the meeting agenda, minutes and supporting papers in consultation with the Program facilitator Attendance at program meetings to provide secretariat support Liaison with program participants and their representatives Preparation and distribution of agendas and minutes of program meetings Support in the preparation of reports and other documents between meetings Administrative and bookkeeping support for the program, members and the facilitator All costs of the Institute s Secretariat support are borne by the program budget. The Institute will provide to Champion practices a budget acquittal at the end of each calendar year. Program participation The nominated Champion from the Champion Practice will be invited to participate in each of the bi-monthly Champion-only meetings, as per the Meeting Schedule. The nominated Champion and Implementation Leader(s) will be invited to participate in each of the bi-monthly Implementation Leader / Champion meetings, as per the Meeting Schedule. Program collateral Champion Practices will have access to the documents jointly produced through the work of the program. Marketing and Promotion Where appropriate, all Champion Practice participants will have their nominated corporate logo and designation included in promotional material relating to the Architects Male Champions of Change program.

12 Tusculum, 3 Manning St Potts Point NSW 2011 T E nsw@architecture.com.au W architecture.com.au malechampionsofchange.com/architects