Auckland Transport (AT) is proud to announce that it has become the first public transport organisation to be awarded the Rainbow Tick.
The Rainbow Tick is an external audit and quality improvement programme aimed at making an organisation a more inclusive environment for staff who identify as LGBTQIA+.
AT has recently stepped up its efforts in becoming more 'Rainbow friendly'. Earlier this year, AT actively participated in the Auckland Pride Parade for the first time with more than 100 staff marching alongside senior executives, including chief executive Shane Ellison.
Commenting on the Rainbow Tick award, Shane Ellison says "This is terrific news not only for our staff but also for the diverse communities that we serve.
"We fully recognise and embrace this diversity in all its colourful strands, as this is an important part of our DNA - to respect and celebrate our staff no matter their gender, culture, sexual identity or ethnicity.
"Above all, I am thrilled that we are now Rainbow Tick accredited as this shows we are committed to being a truly inclusive workplace."
In his Rainbow Tick Evaluation Report and Action Plan, author Michael Stevens says AT has done extremely well for their first year of assessment.
"We note that those interviewed from the Rainbow-identified focus group feel positive about working at AT and would recommend it to other Rainbow colleagues," he says.
The report goes on to say that involvement in the Pride festival earlier this year was multi-layered throughout the organisation and was seen as extremely positive by most people. Staff expressed enthusiasm to further build on this momentum.
AT Rainbow Network co-chair Paul Patton also welcomed the news.
"It is a privilege to work in an environment where diversity is not just positively encouraged but is embedded within the culture of our organisation. Making the workplace a more welcoming space for the Rainbow community makes sense on so many levels," he said.
Background to the Rainbow Tick
The Rainbow Tick programme is a continual quality improvement programme designed to help make an organisation ensure it is a safe and welcoming space for all employees.
The process involved covers an evaluation of relevant documents and focus groups. This data is then assessed and used to generate an evaluation. Creating a workplace where people are free to be their authentic selves is acknowledged to be a central factor in attracting and retaining the best talent.
While the areas of gender balance, ethnicity and ability have been the focus of most diversity and inclusion programmes, the Rainbow Tick addresses that of sexual orientation and gender diversity.
