Inclusion and diversity at GHD

At GHD, we strive for a culture of belonging and trust where all our people can thrive.
GHD staff group picture
Our people are as unique as the communities we serve across five continents. Embracing diversity of identity, thought, background and experience helps us develop imaginative and responsive solutions for our clients that create lasting community benefit.
Our people are as unique as the communities we serve across five continents. Embracing diversity of identity, thought, background and experience helps us develop imaginative and responsive solutions for our clients that create lasting community benefit.

We are committed to creating a culture of belonging at GHD.

GHD employees in NZ Grad Campaign
We achieve this through focused and sustained actions, a readiness to listen and value the experience of others, ongoing education, applying an inclusion and diversity lens to how our business and talent processes operate, and most importantly, by fostering accountability.

Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have been key to fostering a culturally inclusive workplace.

GHD employee resource group leaders
This has resulted in a growing network of mentors, champions and allies across GHD globally. We have 9 ERGs including:
  • WING (Women in GHD)
  • BEATS (Black Empowerment, Action, Teamwork, & Success)
  • YPs (Young Professionals)
  • HOLA (Hispanic Organisation for Leaders and Achievers)
  • Veterans - Military association group
  • Pride Alliance
  • ACE (Asia-Pacific Community for Empowerment)
  • First Nations / Indigenous Network
  • Neurodiversity
Driving greater inclusion at GHD is non-negotiable for the simple reason that we will not succeed as an organisation without it.”
Ashley Wright, CEO

Instilling a greater sense of belonging and trust is something we can all contribute to – and in very tangible, practical ways.

inclusive workforce having an activity
Our ongoing journey requires an unwavering commitment, open minds and deep curiosity.
Explore our I&D journey

Prior to the launch of our strategy, we used the Global Diversity Equity & Inclusion Benchmarking (GDEIB) tool

This was used to benchmark our I&D position as a baseline for how we're doing at GHD. We identified where GHD falls on 15 indicators across five levels of progress. By 2025, our goal is to be between level 4 and 5.

GDEI inclusion benchmarking chart

We aim to achieve our I&D commitment through our ABC pillars

Colleagues laughing

Attract

Hire and retain talent with diverse perspectives, identities, experiences, and backgrounds, representing the communities we serve.

Colleagues using sign language

Build

Build inclusive teams, communities, and an overall culture of belonging where all our people can be their authentic self and thrive.

colleagues hugging each other

Commit

Accountable individually and collectively for I&D. We commit to routinely evaluate and adjust systems, processes, and policies to provide more equitable opportunities for our people.

Our pillars will be supported by five key behaviours

Be open: Continue to build a more inclusive and diverse workplace where our people can thrive.

Be informed: Use data and analytics to make more informed decisions about our people and our business.

Be accountable: Refine how we measure and drive accountability for inclusion and belonging.

Be empathetic: Enhance the inclusive leadership capabilities of our people.

Be bold: Raise the level of conversation as a leading voice and strong supporter of I&D in our industry and implement leading practices of I&D.

Awards

GHD People at Tech Conference in Cairns
GHD employees at an awards ceremony.

Australian Breasting Association - Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace accreditation, (2021).

Workplace Gender Equality - Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, (2014-2018, 2020-2022).

Australian Railway Association - Workforce Diversity Award, (2021).

Engineers Australia - Most Outstanding Company in Gender diversity, (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020).

Property Council of Australia- Award for diversity 250+ employees - Finalist, (2017, 2020, 2022).

Rainbow Tick - Diversity Awards New Zealand, (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022).

Australian HR Institute - Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO Award for Gender Equity in the Workplace - Winner (2016), AHRI CEO Diversity Champion Award - Finalist (2017), Stan Grant Indigenous Employment Award - Finalist (2018).

Disability Equality Index - Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion, (2023).

 

Partnerships

GHD partners logo

Catalyst
Catalyst is a global nonprofit supported by many of the world’s most powerful CEOs and leading companies to help build workplaces that work for women.

Disability: IN

Disability:IN is the leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide. Our network of over 400 corporations expands opportunities for people with disabilities across enterprises

CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion

CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion is the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
 GHD People NZ Grad Campaign

We pledge to empower all of our people to make an impact

Together with your teammates, clients and partners, you'll make an impact that'll last for generations.
Join our team

Our changemakers