Westpac gets the Rainbow Tick

Westpac NZ has become one of the first companies in New Zealand to be awarded the Rainbow Tick, and the very first to get it on the first attempt.

The Rainbow Tick programme allows businesses and organisations to understand what they are doing well in regard to their LGBTTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, takatāpui and intersex) personnel, what they need to improve, and how to make an organisation a safe, welcoming, and inclusive place for people of diverse gender identity and sexual orientation.

“Westpac’s audit results are outstanding – this is the first time we have audited an organisation and found it already at the required level to achieve certification,” says Michael Stevens, Programme director at Rainbow Tick (pictured above, holding the certificate with Westpac NZ Acting CEO David McLean).

“The outstanding work of Westpac’s Global group in collating the materials required was essential in facilitating this process.”

By auditing companies, they sensitively evaluate levels of LGBTTI inclusion in 5 areas:

• Policy
• Staff Training
• Staff Engagement and Organisational Support
• External Engagement
• Monitoring.

From this, the Rainbow Tick give feedback, tools, and advice on how companies can better become a more supportive and inclusive workplace that specifically recognises and welcomes sexual and gender diversity.

“No other organisation we have worked with has presented such a comprehensive programme of policies and work already in progress,” Michael said.

“It was particularly pleasing to see the genuine commitment to this work from the highest levels of Westpac. It is this type of inclusive leadership that helps enable the organisation perform so well across all these areas.”

Su Duffey, GM Human Resources and Chair of the Diversity Steering Group, said that “We’re very proud to have been awarded the Rainbow Tick. Diversity and inclusiveness is extremely important to us at Westpac and we believe that attracting and retaining the best talent, and in turn understanding and meeting the needs of our customers can only be met through nurturing a culture that celebrates diversity.”

“Our GLOBAL team has been helping us to break down barriers and ensure LGBTTI employees and customers are acknowledged and valued for their individual qualities - the Rainbow Tick accreditation is a great recognition of the progress we've made, and in particular achieving the Tick on our first attempt reflects that we've been focussing on the right activities."