Inclusion, diversity and equity
Inclusion, diversity and equity matter to us
Our aim is to create a culture where all team members, irrespective of background or attributes, are treated with respect and honesty while contributing to the team.
This culture readily supports the principles of equal employment opportunity across gender, ability, race, ethnicity and socio-economic background, as well as other differences including work styles, education, family, sporting or study responsibilities.
We are proud that our achievements to date have been recognised externally – we have received a number of awards from professional and industry bodies in the areas of equity, diversity, work-life balance and access to technology.
Progressive practices and policies
We pride ourselves on our inclusive team culture, which is underpinned by a variety of flexible and progressive policies and initiatives that encourage and support diversity in its many forms. Some of our policies and practices are outlined below.
Hear what our team have to say
At Cooper Grace Ward, we value diversity and inclusion as core principles that guide our work culture and practices. In this video, Partner Scott Hay-Bartlem shares how we foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute.
“Diversity and inclusion means having an accepting workplace, celebrating differences amongst our team and allowing our team members to be their authentic selves in the workplace”.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan
Since 2019, Cooper Grace Ward has proudly implemented a
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), a formal agreement with Reconciliation
Australia to support Indigenous businesses and boost employment of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Our goal is to create a workplace culture that understands,
values and respects the history, diversity, and contributions of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples. We aim to do this in a variety of ways,
including by enhancing our team’s cultural awareness and committing to tangible
outcomes through employment, mentoring and support for local First Nations
businesses and individuals.
Cooper Grace Ward has received endorsement from Reconciliation
Australia for its Innovate RAP for 2024-2026. Overseen by our RAP
Working Group, the plan includes a range of actions that build on the
foundation of initiatives and relationships we have developed throughout earlier
iterations of our RAP.
Our focus on mental health
Cooper Grace Ward is a signatory to the Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation’s Best Practice Guidelines for Psychological Wellbeing.
We believe that supporting and promoting mental health is essential, as it has been acknowledged that legal professionals are at high risk of suffering from psychological distress and illness. The Guidelines are designed to assist organisations to create workplaces that promote workplace psychological health and safety.
