Silver recognition in this year’s Australian LGBTQ Inclusion Awards

We are honoured to be named as a Silver Employer in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) 2022 Australian LGBTQ Inclusion Awards.

LGBTI+ Executive Sponsor Phil McAveety said: “To be recognised as a Silver Employer is a great achievement and delivers valued external recognition of the continued work we’re doing to create a welcoming, safe workplace that embraces all of our people.

“To be the place for talent to thrive, every one of us must feel comfortable to bring our whole self to work and have access to the support they need.”

The Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) was launched in 2010 and stands as the definitive national benchmark on LGBTI+ workplace inclusion with the largest and only national employee survey designed to gauge the overall impact of inclusion initiatives.  The rigorous and evidence-based benchmarking tools annually assess workplaces in the progress and impact of LGBTI+ inclusion initiatives.

Working group lead Chris Zerial explains, “Every year our AWEI submissions have achieved a higher score in line with our culture becoming more and more inclusive and supportive.

“Achieving Silver showcases our high level of active inclusion and how we continue to ensure our people from the LGBTI+ community feel welcome, comfortable and safe to be themselves at Scentre Group.”

In 2022 166 organisations across Australia participated, 20 were awarded Gold and 19 Silver. Within this group Scentre Group sit alongside J.P Morgan, Stockland, Telstra and Energy Australia.

Chris concludes, “This year the AWEI saw a significant shift in best practice across all employers as participation increases and organisations raise the bar and do more and new things to include and support their people. That’s a really exciting and pleasing outcome for the LGBTI+ community at large.”

Jennifer Westacott, CEO Business Council of Australia addressed the AWEI awards in her role as Co Patron, Pride and Diversity.

“… as we look back over the past few years and all that we have weathered – the focus from organisations on promoting greater tolerance has been an important touchstone in our society.

“On so many important issues – climate change, mental health and diversity – it is our workplaces that are leading the way.

“Employers in both the private and public sectors are continuing to step up to provide safe and welcoming workplaces – whether that’s for our: LGBTQ community, people in violent relationships’ those battling mental health and health problems, or people feeling lonely and marginalised.

“Employers have provided a sense of belonging – and importantly they’ve done this even when we are not physically in the workplace.

“So, today we are here to celebrate and applaud the excellence of employers and their teams for their commitment to advancing inclusion and diversity.”