Last year, CSIRO achieved Gold employer status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) – the highest achievement they obtained over three consecutive years of participating in the AWEI. This fantastic result, underpinned by their SAGE action plan and a strong focus on best practice LGBTQI+ inclusion and equality, was made possible by the active and vibrant Pride Network at CSIRO.

“We need to show our colleagues that they are supported to bring their whole selves to work, not only through our attitude and organisational culture but through having inclusive policies and procedures that don’t leave anyone behind,” said Marcus Zipper, Executive Director of Manufacturing and Pride@CSIRO Executive Sponsor.

Examples of LGBTQI+ inclusive practices at CSIRO include:

  • updated HR policies and procedures, for example to remove gendered language and provide travel advice for LGBTQI+ employees
  • increased awareness of LGBTQI+ inclusion and visibility of LGBTQI+ employees through activities like Wear it Purple, Mardi Gras and LGBTQI+ days of significance campaigns
  • improvements in how CSIRO captures data and undertakes reporting.