Ashurst-recognised-as-leaders-in-workplace-gender-equality-for-the-15th-consecutive-year

Ashurst has today received recognition for its policies and practices that actively support women in the workplace from The Workplace Gender Equality Agency, receiving an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) citation.

This citation marks the 15th consecutive year Ashurst has been recognised by the WGEA (and the Federal Government's previous gender equality agency, The Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency) for employer commitment and best practice in promoting gender equality in Australian workplaces.

Ashurst is the only law firm to have continuously received this recognition since its inception in 2001.

Ashurst Vice-Chairman Mary Padbury said: "The WGEA citation is explicit recognition of the excellent work the firm is doing with regard to gender equality. We are very proud of the fact that we have again been recognised for our commitment to fostering and supporting talented women at our firm.

"We are committed to ensuring all of our people have the opportunities to enable them to reach their full potential, regardless of gender," Ms Padbury said.

Ashurst has well established women's mentoring, parental leave, return-to-work assistance and flexible working arrangements to support women in the workplace, and has successfully introduced training on inclusive leadership and unconscious bias.

Jennie Mansfield, partner, board member and Ashurst Gender Diversity Strand Champion adds: "Our board has set targets to support gender diversity including that at least 40% of new partner promotions every year are to be women, and at least 25% of all senior management positions should be held by women by 2018. These targets are deliberately challenging, and continuous WGEA citations recognise our progress towards reaching them.

"We will continue to enhance our policies, programs and structures which support diversity and the retention and promotion of women in the workplace."