Sydney, 5 November 2015: Leading Australian law firm Clayton Utz is one of just 90 employers to be awarded an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) citation, announced by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) today.
Launched last year, WGEA's new citation recognises those employers that demonstrate ongoing active commitment to equal participation and opportunity in the workplace. Citation criteria are strengthened each year to reflect best practice. This year for example, employers were required to consult with employees on their actual lived experiences of diversity initiatives implemented in the workplace.
Clayton Utz Chief Executive Partner (CEP) Rob Cutler said he was proud the firm had achieved the prestigious citation again.
“The Workplace Gender Equality Agency’s Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation demands world class practices in diversity and inclusion, and Clayton Utz is committed to measuring up to these standards,” he said. “Achieving the citation this year is significant as it reflects the real positive impact our approach and our actions are having for our people.”
“At Clayton Utz, diversity and inclusion is a key strategic priority for the firm. It is essential for business success and achieving this citation continues our momentum in this area.”
Key gender diversity and inclusion initiatives at Clayton Utz include formal merit-based approaches to talent identification and employee development, remuneration, reward and recognition, and flexible working, which is supported by a new progressive policy and a National Flexibility Manager. The Firm has also set new expectations for leaders (including all partners and shared services leaders) to champion flexible working and all other diversity initiatives.
Clayton Utz is also tackling the diversity and inclusion issues on a broader scale, with CEP Rob Cutler and Deputy CEP (People and Development) Kate Jordan joining a cohort of large law firm Managing Partners to identify and support the implementation of industry-wide diversity and inclusion solutions.
“We are taking a collaborative approach to diversity and inclusion with leaders from other firms and peak regulatory bodies across the legal profession,” Mr Cutler said. “It's only by working together, will we realise the lasting change that is needed in, and indeed expected from, our profession.”