Urbis supports our people to embrace and celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion to shape cities and communities for a better future.
We encourage everyone to be themselves and share their unique views which are shaped by their individual identity. We are proud of our ongoing recognition as a champion of workplace inclusion amongst our professional services peers.
An inclusive workplace is one where differences – of gender identity, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender expression, physical ability, lifestyle, and religious belief – are valued, respected and supported. We are committed to advancing policies and systems throughout our business to ensure we remain an inclusive employer for all.
Urbis acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands we operate on. We recognise and respect their continuing connection to these lands, waterways and ecosystems for over 60,000 years and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We recognise that First Nations sovereignty was never ceded and that this was and always will be First Nations land.
How we foster an inclusive environment
Gender Equity
Urbis celebrates and encourages diversity as a cornerstone of its multidisciplinary strategy and operating model. It is driven to create and maintain an equitable and inclusive workplace. Urbis consciously chooses equity measures across the organisation to achieve equity in terms of representation, pay, and developmental opportunities.
The Gender Equity Strategy and other key initiatives assists Urbis to achieve this – creating and supporting a more inclusive workforce where equality is paramount.
Our current focuses within this area are:
- Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (WGEA certified)
- SOAR Program: supporting the advancement of senior women in the firm
- Champions of Change Program
- Gender balanced company with 40:40:20 leadership
- Gender pay gap currently sits at less than 5%
- 18 weeks paid parental leave
First Nations
Urbis’ vision is to be actively involved in embedding First Nations cultures and worldviews into the solutions we create for places and communities.
Our work has enabled us to hear from and partner with First Nations communities on important issues, such as land use planning, health, education and economic development. We continue to explore ways to connect with First Nations people, community leaders, businesses and organisations as partners and stakeholders who share our vision to generate positive outcomes.
Government and community at all levels have embraced reconciliation as a key value in our national wellbeing. Urbis has a significant legacy of involvement with Indigenous people and communities. We enjoy a very high standing as one of Australia’s leading consulting firms in Indigenous matters, including in education, health, and economic development to support improved outcomes in these areas.
Our current focuses within this area are:
- Acknowledging and celebrating days of significance
- Launch of our Innovate RAP with First Nations representation
- Acknowledgement of country Guidelines
- Uluru Statement from the Heart
- Designing with country work
Urbis Pride
At Urbis, we believe that everyone has the right to be their authentic selves wherever they work or live. We’re proud to support the LGBTQI+ community and our employees to thrive and feel a sense of inclusion and belonging. We thrive to build a safe and inclusive workplace for our LGBTQI+ employees no matter their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Urbis LGBTQI+ Strategy and other key initiatives assists us to achieve this – creating and supporting a more inclusive workforce where equality is paramount.
Our current focuses within this area are:
- Building inclusive policies across Urbis
- Education and awareness training across Urbis
- Progress towards the Australian Workplace Equality Index to be successful in attaining Bronze Tier status in 2024, with the desire to reach gold status.
We acknowledge that LGBTQI+ people are not a homogenous population. Each group in the acronym holds unique identities and experiences, and these need to be recognised and respected for everyone. Further, groups are not mutually exclusive for example, someone may be transgender and gay. Common experiences however can be seen across all groups, especially when considering the effects of stigma and discrimination.
Urbis Inclusion Committee & Regional Working Groups
Our Inclusion Committee (IC), which reports to the Urbis Executive Group, drives our progress and implementation of the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives within Urbis. We also have regional working groups that have autonomy to discuss what is important to each region to focus on through discussion and significant days.
Inclusive Cultures
Urbis believes focusing on embodying an Inclusive Culture in the workplace is important.
An inclusive workplace is one where differences – of gender identity, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender expression, physical ability, lifestyle, and religious belief – are valued, respected, and supported.
The way in which we do this is through inclusive leadership training, celebrating significant days, sharing each other’s cultures, and unconscious bias training.
