Diversity and inclusion

Plenary is committed to creating a respectful environment that values and celebrates workplace diversity and inclusion.

This aligns to our core value of diversity.

Attracting, retaining and developing the best infrastructure industry professionals is vital to Plenary’s future and we recognise that diversity and inclusion improve the performance of an organisation.

Our approach to workplace participation and diversity is underpinned by processes and policies that promote and support equal opportunity such as flexible working arrangements, recruitment practices, accessibility resources and facilities, codes of conduct, access to leave and ongoing development and career progression opportunities.

“Our people are our greatest asset. I’m committed to creating an environment that values and celebrates workplace diversity, inclusion and gender equality where everyone feels safe and has a sense of belonging. We have made a concerted effort towards diversity, inclusion and gender equality over the past couple of years and I’m pleased to see the progress we have made particularly in increasing the number of females in senior leadership, executive and board positions. I am committed to continuing to our progress towards gender equality.” – David Lamming, CEO

Key initiatives and programs in place in support of our diversity and inclusion commitments include:

Employer of choice for gender equality

We have been recognised for our active commitment to achieving workplace gender equality, awarded a Workplace Gender Equality Agency Employer of Choice for Gender Equality 2022-2024.

Gender Pay Gap Employer Statement

We are extremely proud to have been certified as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality and to have reduced the total average remuneration gap for the 2022–23 reporting period, but also acknowledge there is still plenty more work to be done. Our employer statement details the drivers of our pay gap, the commitments we have made to address the gap and our progress.     

Inclusive employer

We have been recognised as an Inclusive Employer for 2023–24 by Diversity Council Australia Ltd – the second time it’s received such recognition. Plenary recorded benchmark-exceeding results for key diversity and inclusion measures based on an in-depth survey completed by employees.

Equal opportunity employer

Plenary is committed to a workplace free of discrimination on any protected grounds and is investigating ways it can further raise awareness of and support different genders, cultures, disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, religions and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ+) community within its workforce.

Gender balanced recruitment practices

We ensure our recruiters provide at least 50 per cent female candidates for any externally sourced role and that all interviewees are interviewed by at least one female throughout the process.

Flexible working arrangements

Most roles can be worked flexibly at Plenary, ensuring we are better able to meet the needs of our employees and clients.

Panel pledge

Plenary is committed to supporting gender balance in external panels and speaking events, with Plenary staff committed to asking about the organiser’s efforts to ensure women are represented and declining to participate as presenter or speaker where this is not demonstrated.

Bias awareness training

To aid in addressing some of the impact of bias on recruitment, remuneration and career progression, we have committed to include bias awareness training within the professional development framework for all staff.

Pay equity

Plenary undertakes gender pay equity and pay gap analysis annually to monitor and seek to remove potential bias in pay, promotions and opportunities whenever remuneration and promotion decisions are made.

Accessibility resources

Plenary is committed to considering accessibility when selecting office accommodation and project offices and provides assistive technology to enable people with disabilities to be an active part of the workplace.

Wellbeing focus

Plenary has initiatives and programs in place that support the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of our staff.

We also track and report our performance in accordance with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012, and publicly report to Workplace Gender Equality Agency annually.