National Public Service - Gender Equity & Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy.

The policy has a twofold approach, focusing on Gender Equity & Social Inclusion (GESI) values and principles being exercised in the workplace and embracing GESI values and principles in the design and delivery of National Public Services into the community. The Public Service GESI policy is designed to develop and maintain a positive, respectful work culture that ensures equity and diversity for all employees and is free from discrimination. In particular it: Outlines the legislative provisions supporting a respectful, equitable and inclusive workplace culture; Provides guidance to all Public Service officers and employees in meeting their obligations under the Public Service (Management) Act and other relevant legislation, policies and guidelines; Defines gender equity, social inclusion and other related terms; Supports the creation of working environments that are respectful, courteous, inclusive, collaborative, equitable and productive; Applies GESI principles and values to service delivery to people; Identifies the respect, equity and diversity challenges facing the National Public Service; Aims to develop a culture where public service officers and employees feel supported and confident in identifying and disclosing barriers that prevent gender equity and a socially inclusive working environment; Defines leadership, values and behaviours at an individual, team and agency level that support and promote GESI principles; Assists agencies in identifying policies, processes and practices that inhibit GESI; Identifies and defines “mainstreaming”, that being the introduction of GESI into business processes and systems (eg. recruitment, induction, training, promotion and performance management) which allow GESI to become a part of everyday business in our workplace. This policy provides detailed information to enhance the understanding of GESI for all public service officers and employees as well as directions and guidelines for workplace strategies to transform workplaces enhancing the rights of workers and improving levels of health and wellbeing of staff.
The National Public Service GESI Policy sets the guidelines for Public Service agencies and Public Service officers and employees in introducing GESI principles into policy and practice and as part of service delivery outcomes for the National Public Service (NPS). This policy applies to all National Government Departments, Provincial, District and Local Level Government Administrations and other agencies. For the period 2013-15 and in line with the current Medium Term Development Plan, this policy sets the minimum standards and provides a framework for agencies to adopt this GESI policy in its entirety and, where necessary, enhance its applicability for a specific agency or workplace. The policy provides details of specialist contacts and avenues of enquiry to assist in establishing local contacts suited for use in your own workplace.