Why people choose to work at Y Whittlesea

What our 2025 Staff Engagement results tell us!

At Y Whittlesea, our people are at the heart of everything we do. From early learning and youth programs to inclusion services, recreation, the way we show up for our community starts with how we support, trust and empower our staff.

Our 2025 Staff Engagement Survey reinforces this in a powerful way, highlighting the strengths that make working at Y Whittlesea meaningful, safe and values-led.

A strong culture of safeguarding and responsibility

Safeguarding continues to be one of our strongest areas of performance, reflecting the deep commitment our people have to keeping children, young people and vulnerable community members safe.

98% of staff say they know how to take appropriate action if a child’s safety or wellbeing is compromised

98% are confident in their role in contributing to a child-safe community through their safeguarding training

96% are confident Y Whittlesea complies with legislation that protects children, young and vulnerable people

These results are not just about policies or training, they reflect a shared understanding, accountability and care that our teams bring to their work every day.

A respectful and inclusive workplace

Our people have told us clearly that respect, safety and inclusion matter and the results show we are delivering on this.

95% of staff agree that Y Whittlesea does not tolerate sex-based harassment

90% say their immediate supervisor or manager genuinely supports equality between women and men

This speaks to a workplace culture where people feel respected, heard and supported, and where inclusion is embedded in everyday practice, not just statements.

Consistency, trust and leadership that makes a difference

What stands out across the results is consistency. Many of our strongest scores have remained high year-on-year, reflecting stable leadership, clear expectations and a culture built on trust.

Our staff value:

– Clear safeguarding frameworks and the confidence to act

– Leaders who model our values and support equality

– Working in an organisation where purpose, safety and community impact are central

Why this matters

Engaged staff create safer environments, stronger relationships and better outcomes for the communities we serve. These results give us confidence that our people feel equipped, supported and aligned with our mission — while also guiding us on where to keep improving.

Looking ahead

As we move forward, we remain committed to:

– Strengthening leadership capability

– Continuing to invest in safeguarding and inclusion

– Supporting our people to grow, contribute and thrive

To our staff, thank you for the care, professionalism and heart you bring to the Y every day.

Because when our people thrive, our communities do too.

To those considering a career with us, these results reflect the kind of organisation you can be part of, one that leads with values, safety and purpose.

To find out current job opportunities at Y Whittlesea click here.