The Diversity Council Australia (DCA) is inviting expressions of interest (EOIs) for the 2025-2026 Inclusive Employer Index, offering organisations the chance to be recognised for their commitment to workplace inclusion.
Run in partnership with Diversity Atlas, the Inclusive Employer Index is Australia’s only inclusion index run by an independent peak body that enables organisations to measure, benchmark, and report on workplace inclusion across nine diversity dimensions.
“Building an inclusive workplace is not just a nice-to-have – it’s key to attracting and retaining talent and is strongly linked to business success,” says DCA CEO Catherine Hunter.
“The Inclusive Employer Index is a powerful diagnostic tool that helps organisations understand their strengths, pinpoint areas for improvement, and track progress over time.
“It’s a chance to demonstrate leadership and a genuine commitment to creating welcoming and inclusive workplaces where everyone feels valued and respected.”
The Inclusive Employer Index provides participants with a ready-to-use survey that is comprehensive, anonymous and saves time by eliminating the need to design your own. It prioritises privacy and data safety, while also helping employers meet WGEA certifications, including questions aligned with its Employer of Choice for Gender Equality and Employer Committed to Gender Equality requirements.
Employers who exceed the national benchmarks will earn the title of being a DCA 2025-2026 Inclusive Employer – a mark of excellence publicly promoted by DCA. Recognised organisations can proudly showcase the Inclusive Employer logo, demonstrating their commitment to inclusion to employees, partners, and the wider community.
One such employer is Main Roads Western Australia.
“For us it demonstrates that our Road to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion framework is driving us towards our commitment of creating a safe workplace that recognises and encourages our diverse skills and perspectives and a culture of respect and belonging,” says John Erceg, Main Roads Western Australia’s managing director.
Another to achieve certification is charity organisation Helping Hand.
Chris Stewart, CEO, Helping Hand says: “This achievement reflects the heart of our culture — one that values and celebrates diversity in all its forms. Recently, over 600 of our team members shared their experiences through the DCA survey, and the results highlight just how diverse we truly are.
“Our team represents 64 cultural backgrounds, speaks 60 different languages, and comes from 46 countries. This diversity is not only something we celebrate, but it strengthens us, enabling us to provide care that’s culturally sensitive and services that are respectful and inclusive.”
In 2024–2025, over 60 organisations were recognised, spanning from health and wellness, retail, and transport to major media organisations, law firms and charities.
Expressions of interest are open now and will close on Monday 1 September 2025.
Register your interest to participate in the 2025–2026 Inclusive Employer Index.
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