FB Rice awarded Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by WGEA

The Partners and team at FB Rice are thrilled to receive the Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) citation by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) for 2021 – 23.

In understanding there was more that could be done around gender equality, FB Rice engaged with WGEA to improve its gender equality initiatives and policies. Driven by their Diversity and Inclusion Committee, FB Rice developed a detailed Gender Equity Plan that is driving positive impacts across the firm.

“It’s an honour to be commended by WGEA for the progress we have taken to accelerate this change, but also for the outcomes we are still seeking to achieve through the establishment of our Gender Equity Plan”, said an FB Rice spokesperson.

“At FB Rice we have presented clear evidence that our current success is built on seeking to empower all genders to perform at their best and crucially be equally recognised for their contribution,” said Brett Lunn, Managing Partner of FB Rice.

WGEA is an Australian Government initiative charged with encouraging, recognising and promoting active commitment to achieving gender equality in Australian workplaces. Receiving the WGEA EOCGE citation only occurs if a workplace has demonstrated visible commitment to gender equality as a strategic imperative for their business, which sets them apart from other companies.

“We are extremely proud to achieve this respected citation and join the ranks of mostly larger, well-known Australian based organisations and companies that are committed to diversity and gender equality. To be the only specialist IP firm in Australia with a current WGEA citation demonstrates our leadership in the area of diversity,” said Dr Lunn.

FB Rice has made clear commitments to continue making further improvements on gender equality. See further information on their Inclusion and Diversity Committee initiatives to #breakthebias.

The criteria for the EOCGE citation includes leadership, learning and development, gender remuneration equality, flexible working and other initiatives to support family responsibilities, employee consultation, preventing sex-based harassment and discrimination, and targets for improving gender equality outcomes. FB Rice has been focussing on these key areas to drive gender equality. Hear from some FB Rice team members on how they are actively breaking the bias.

"Australian workplaces are facing a challenging period coming out of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Continually innovating and adapting to change will be a requirement in these times. To succeed we must have a diversity of opinions and approaches to meet these challenges,” said Dr Lunn.