Ashurst recognised as an employer of choice for gender equality

Ashurst is the only law firm to be consecutively awarded the citation by the WGEA, and its predecessor the EOWA, since its inception in 2001.  

The citation recognises employers that demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunity for women in the workplace. To be awarded the citation, a business must demonstrate how it is addressing gender equality across a number of benchmarks including leadership, flexible working, learning and development, remuneration and performance. 

Ashurst managing partner Paul Jenkins commented: "We are proud to be consistently acknowledged as being at the forefront of driving change in gender diversity. It is a reflection of the values and culture we have at Ashurst, as achieving gender equality is a critical part of the firm's strategy and commitment to deliver better outcomes for our people and clients." 

Ashurst is committed to best practice in diversity and inclusion. The firm's Diversity Strategy outlines policies including flexible working arrangements, paid parental leave, paid domestic and family violence leave and return-to-work assistance. In addition, the firm is also a signatory to the National Model Gender Equitable Briefing Policy and offers global women's networks. 

Paul Jenkins is a WGEA Pay Equity Ambassador, which includes taking the WGEA Pay Equity Pledge to commit to taking proactive actions to ensure gender equality within the firm and wider business community. 

In 2017, Paul Jenkins was also the first law firm leader to join Male Champions of Change (MCC). The initiative, which was established in 2010 by the former Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick, works with prominent leaders in the business community to redefine men's role in taking action on gender inequality. The MCC group meets four times a year to share experiences, reflect on gender diversity and work together to identify and implement progressive, high impact actions to create meaningful and lasting change.