LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion
Launched in 2010, the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) is the Australian national benchmark for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
The AWEI aims to drive best practices in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. It contains a set of criteria that enables organisations to develop LGBTQ+ inclusion strategies through best practice insights from national and global trends in workplace inclusion.
Organisations can complete the criteria solely for their own inclusion planning purposes, or can have their work audited through a submission process. Participating organisations not only benefit from achieving an inclusive workplace, but can elect to be identified publicly as an LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace accredited under the AWEI.
The AWEI is managed by Pride in Diversity, which is a national not-for-profit program of ACON. Pride in Diversity also present the annual Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards to recognise organisations for outstanding contributions to LGBTQ+ inclusion within the workplace.
The process is confidential, and organisations interested in participating in AWEI accreditation should register an expression of interest.
What is the Submission Process?
Under the AWEI framework, employers are classified as either Standard Employers (501 or more employees), or Small Employers (500 or fewer employees). The Standard Employer and Small Employer AWEI Submissions are based on the same core practice areas, with the Small Employer version tailored to reflect the smaller workforce and typically more limited resources of those organisations.
Organisations initially complete the Foundation Submission, which is an application to achieve Bronze Tier Employer status. The Foundation Submission covers the following areas:
- HR Policies and Diversity Practice
- LGBTQ+ Bullying, Harassment and Support
- Inclusion of Trans and Gender Diverse Employees
- Strategic Focus and Accountability
- LGBTQ+ Employee Network
- Training, Awareness and Professional Development
🥉 Bronze Tier Employer
To achieve Bronze Tier Employer status, an organisation must attain 80 percent of the available points in the Foundation Submission:
- Standard Employers: at least 64 points out of a total of 80, or
- Small Employers: at least 40 points out of a possible 50.
AWEI Advanced Submission
Upon achieving Bronze Tier Employer status, an organisation can complete a second submission, the Advanced Submission, to apply for a higher status. The result is part of the determination for achieving Silver or Gold Tier Employer status.
The employer must also demonstrate a significant amount of sustained or new work in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
The Advanced Submission expands on some areas of the Foundation Submission, but also adds new areas :
- Inclusion of Trans and Gender Diverse Employees
- Strategic Focus and Accountability
- LGBTQ+ Employee Network
- Visibility of Inclusion
- Training, Awareness and Professional Development
- Executive Leadership and Engagement
- Data Analysis
- Community Engagement
- Employee Survey (Optional)
- Additional Work
🥈 Silver Tier Employer
To be awarded Silver Tier Employer status, an organisation must attain at least 60 percent of the available points in the Advanced Submission:
- Standard Employers: at least 70 points out of a total of 120, or
Small Employers: at least 30 points out of a possible 50; - AND demonstrate a significant amount of sustained or new work in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
🥇 Gold Tier Employer
To be awarded Gold Tier Employer status, an organisation must attain at least 80 percent of the available points in the Advanced Submission:
- Standard Employers: at least 96 points out of a total of 120, or
Small Employers: at least 40 points out of a possible 50; - AND demonstrate a significant amount of sustained or new work in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
💎 Platinum Tier Employer
Platinum Tier Employer status acknowledges an organisation’s sustained high levels of AWEI performance.
This highest level of recognition is awarded when obtaining in the last five successive years:
- Gold Tier Employer four times, or
- Employer of the Year twice
Once attained, Platinum Tier Employer status is maintained provided Gold Tier Employer status continues to be achieved annually, or an organisation may alternate and shift focus to a workplace Platinum Project instead.
🦄 What is a Platinum Project?
A Platinum Project cycle covers two years and allows an organisation to focus on an area of interest within LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
In the first year, the organisation determines the focus and scope of their project and submits a proposal. In the second year, the organisation completes the project work, assesses the outcome and prepares a Project Report.