The ABC has been awarded a Bronze badge in the 2020 Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Awards.
The badge recognises that the ABC has substantially increased the visibility of people of diverse sexualities and genders – creating a more inclusive place to work and more diverse content for our audiences. Bronze status represents national and industry-wide recognition of the ABC’s progress.
The definitive national benchmark on LGBTQ workplace inclusion, the AWEI measures the impact of inclusion initiatives, driving best practice while improving workplace diversity and inclusion across Australia.
It comprises the largest and only national employee survey designed to gauge the overall impact of inclusion initiatives on organisational culture as well as identifying and non-identifying employees.
Now in its tenth year, the AWEI includes submissions from across all sectors, including government, IT and consulting firms, media organisations, higher education and engineering.
Manda Hatter, Chair of ABC Pride, said the ABC had substantially increased the visibility of people of diverse sexualities and genders, making people feel safer to be their authentic selves and allowing everyone to bring their whole selves to work.
“We have developed a strategic plan to guide the work of ABC Pride, and a number of other pieces of work – for example a language guide to support improved reporting on content that relates to sexuality and gender diversity,” she said. “Bronze status… is testament to the work of many to improve LGBTQI+ inclusion across the ABC. I know many of our staff can see and feel the difference this work makes – across our regions or cities, in whatever state or territory you live and work in.”
Rebekah Donaldson, Chief People Officer (ABC Pride Executive Sponsor) said the award showed significant progress for the ABC. “Our achievement is demonstrative of the great things that can be done when a staff-led group and People & Culture combine their will, resources and energy to make change. Now for Gold…”
