ASC recognises that diversity and inclusion in the workplace leads to a productive, innovative, high-performing and engaged workforce.
To this end, we’ve developed a number of initiatives that nurture a culture of trust, respect and belonging, helping every ASC staff member to feel recognised, valued and safe being their whole, authentic selves.
Together as One
ASC’s diversity and inclusion initiatives are grouped within the Together as One program. These initiatives focus on engagement and advocacy for people of all cultures and demographics, supported by a Diversity and Inclusion Council.
The company’s focus on diversity and inclusion is reflected in its corporate value of Respect.
Respecting Indigenous culture
ASC acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters on or near ASC’s operations in South Australia and Western Australia: the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains and the Whadjuk Noongar people of Perth’s Swan Coastal Plain. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging, and extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia.
Our aim is to build strong and lasting relationships with the communities in which we work, based on mutual understanding, trust and respect, and free from discrimination.
We’re committed to providing opportunities for our team members to connect and learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture, and providing opportunities for better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – ultimately helping to build a better future for all Australians.
Reconciliation Action Plan
In 2021, we implemented ASC’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), Reflect, and embedded the plan’s actions across the organisation. That RAP provided us with a framework to contribute to reconciliation, both within the organisation and with our wider communities in South Australia and Western Australia.
Continuing our reconciliation journey, we launched our second RAP, Innovate, in 2023, further cementing ASC’s organisational culture of diversity and inclusion.
Aligning with our core PRIDE values of protect, respect, integrity, discipline and excellence, our first Innovate RAP focused on three key areas:
- building relationships through community engagement, and building awareness and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within our organisation;
- building respect and creating a culturally safe environment by embedding cultural awareness and understanding amongst our staff; and
- creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through employment, community engagement and business capability.
That Innovate RAP has now concluded and we are in the process of developing our next Innovate RAP to continue strengthening our commitment to reconciliation.
EMPLOYER OF CHOICE FOR ALL WOMEN
ASC is recognised as an Endorsed Employer of Choice for all Women by WORK180. Operating in Australia, the UK and US, WORK180 assesses companies against 10 key standards:
- inclusive hiring processes
- representative leadership
- flexible working arrangements
- pay equity
- shared caring responsibility
- employee voice and resource groups
- career development
- inclusive and anti-discriminatory culture
- employee safety and support services
- strategic commitments.
ENHANCING lGBTQA+ INCLUSIVITY
Everyone has the right to be their whole, authentic selves at work, without fear of discrimination or prejudice. Understanding and respecting each other’s differences is essential to creating a culture and environment in which everyone feels welcome, safe and valued.
Recognising this, ASC has partnered with national not-for-profit organisation Pride in Diversity to enhance all aspects of workplace inclusion for LGBTQA+ team members (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, a-sexual and other diverse genders or sexual orientations).
Through this partnership, ASC is implementing a range of initiatives, training and resources to support its LGBTQA+ community, increase awareness of LGBTQA+ issues more broadly, and create a safe and inclusive workplace for all.
