1. What is cultural safety?

Cultural safety is a concept that originated in the healthcare sector and has since been adopted in various industries to promote respectful and inclusive interactions with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. It involves recognising and respecting the cultural beliefs, values, and practices of different communities, while also acknowledging and addressing power imbalances and systemic discrimination.

2. Why is cultural safety important?

Cultural safety is important because it helps to create environments that are respectful, inclusive, and free from discrimination. By promoting cultural safety, organisations can foster better relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds, improve communication and collaboration, and create a more welcoming and supportive workplace culture.

3. How is cultural safety different from cultural competence?

Cultural safety goes beyond cultural competence by emphasising the need to address power imbalances, systemic discrimination, and historical injustices that may impact individuals from marginalised or oppressed groups. Cultural safety requires ongoing reflection, self-awareness, and a commitment to creating inclusive environments that respect and honour the diverse cultures and traditions of all individuals.

4. How can organisations promote cultural safety?

Organisations can promote cultural safety by providing training and education on cultural awareness, diversity, and inclusion. They can also review and update their policies and procedures to ensure they are culturally sensitive and inclusive. It is important for organisations to actively listen to and engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds, seek feedback on their practices, and continuously work towards creating environments that are safe and respectful for all.

5. What are some common challenges in achieving cultural safety?

Some common challenges in achieving cultural safety include unconscious biases, stereotypes, and assumptions that may impact interactions with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Other challenges may include lack of awareness or understanding of diverse cultural practices, inadequate training on cultural competence, and organisational structures that perpetuate systemic discrimination or exclusion.