LGBTI+ Inclusion

We believe that everyone should feel safe, welcomed, and free to be themselves, and we know that by working to ensure our LGBTI+ colleagues feel safe and valued at work, we strengthen our culture to make it a more welcoming, diverse and inclusive space for everybody.

At Ashurst we want everyone to feel confident to be themselves, We are proud employers and, even more importantly, staunch allies for our LGBTI+ community.

Our Inclusion Targets: Driving Change

We take a strategic approach to progress and hold ourselves accountable to deliver on our ambitious IDB commitments.

We’ve set ourselves targets for LGBTI+ representation, which keep us focused on creating real progress in our business. By 2026, we’re aiming to achieve at least 4% LGBTI+ representation at the partnership and senior leader level.

Pride and Allyship

Our LGBTI+ Network Spectrum makes a significant and positive impact for our LGBTI+ community and allies, bringing them together to celebrate, share stories and experiences, educate and promote awareness of LGBTI+ issues.

Through Spectrum we have introduced an LGBTI+ Inclusive Language Glossary, emphasising respectful and inclusive language, and demystifying key terms, and implemented Gender Neutral Drafting principles in our client work.

We have also adopted a Gender Affirmation Policy, and participate in annual benchmarking through the Australian Workplace Equality Index.

We believe we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive and supportive environment where acceptance and understanding are the norm. We encourage all our people to move beyond awareness and acceptance, and to become allies to our LGBTI+ community.
 
"No one should have to hide away parts of themselves to feel accepted at work. I have never felt ashamed of who I am, but Ashurst actively celebrates the unique insights we bring to the table, and that makes all the difference to us." Anna Burn, Associate

At Ashurst, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging are at the heart of everything we do.

 By celebrating key events and observances, sponsoring employee networks, shaping policies and activities, building learning and understanding, and offering tools, benefits and services to our people and our clients, we aspire to bring Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging to life and foster an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and respectful of all backgrounds and perspectives.

As a client or professional considering working with us, we invite you to learn more about how we value and celebrate diversity, foster inclusion, and cultivate a sense of belonging for all.

We know that by doing so, we not only provide exceptional legal services leveraging true diversity of thought and best practice in the IDB space, but also make a positive impact on the world around us.