Herbert Smith Freehills’ joint Regional Managing Partner
Sue Gilchrist is the newest Pay Equity Ambassador of Australia’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).
“I am proud to be a WGEA Pay Equity Ambassador. The work the agency does is essential to ensure that the issue of the gender pay gap is being proactively addressed by the business community within Australia,” said Gilchrist, HSF’s regional managing partner for Asia and Australia.
“Taking the Pay Equity Pledge is a reflection of my commitment to work towards the agency’s goal of making gender pay equity a standard business practice.”
Pay Equity Ambassador’s take the agency’s Pay Equity Pledge. This comes with a commitment to studying talent data as well as effecting changes that ensures and safeguards equal pay within their organisations.
The role is fitting for Gilchrist as according to HSF, she has made substantial efforts in her career to improving gender diversity within the legal profession.
The law firm itself stressed in a statement that it is committed to building an inclusive and diverse culture.
The firm pointed to its advocacy for gender equity evidenced by its target of 30% of women in global partnership and leadership roles by 2019. HSF said that this target is supported by KPIs, sponsorship, active talent development and monitoring.
Apart from a focus on gender diversity, HSF also promotes multiculturalism and has recently launched a cultural background survey for all people working in its Asia-Pac offices.
Furthermore, LGBTI inclusion is also one of the firm’s priorities with an active employee network and sponsorships of the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, Pride WA, Brisbane Melt Festival and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
“At the firm, we are absolutely committed to creating an inclusive culture with gender equity as a particular focus. In addition to our gender targets, we also have programs in place to address the issue from a practical perspective, including unconscious bias and inclusive leadership training,” said Gilchrist.
“We understand the importance of actively supporting flexible working arrangements within the firm, to support our people to feel more engaged while ensuring optimal client service. These actions help to ensure that we are a leading firm for the attraction, promotion and retention of women.”
