Diversity - resources for listed entities

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The following page contains a list of resources prepare by ASX or other organisations which relate directly to the changes in the ASX Corporate Governance Council Principles and Recommendations on diversity, or which are otherwise helpful by way of background or general information about diversity.

The ASX Group's own policies on diversity can be viewed here.

The Principles and Recommendations

• Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations with 2010 Amendments (2nd edition, ASX Corporate Governance Council) (PDF 1.3MB) or view a marked-up copy (PDF 1.7MB)
• Further information about the Principles and Recommendations can be found on the Corporate Governance web page.

ASX: educational events and presentations

• Video: background to ASX Corporate Governance Council gender diversity measures, September 2010 (WMV 38MB 10:17)
• Listing Rule and Corporate Governance Amendments - ASX Corporate Governance Roadshow presentation (PDF 136KB)

ASX: other documents

• Summary of diversity related changes to the 2nd edition of Principles in June 2010, including changes to commentary (PDF 73KB)  
• Legal guidance for listed companies on potential legal issues in implementing diversity measures, Freehills, September 2010 (PDF 106KB) 

Useful documents produced by other organisations

• Male Champions of Change: "Our experiences in elevating the representation of women in leadership: A letter from business leaders" (PDF 4.32MB)
• Australian Council of Human Rights Agencies guidance:  "ASX Corporate Governance Council Diversity Recommendations: Complying with Anti-Discrimination Laws" (PDF 258KB)
• New Corporate Governance Recommendations on diversity: Tips for getting started, AICD July 2010 (PDF 707KB) 
• Complying with Principle 3: Strategies for Gender Diversity, Women on Boards and Chartered Secretaries Australia, July 2010 (PDF 480KB)
• New Corporate Governance Recommendations on Diversity.  Early adopter case studies (PDF 724KB) - includes a sample diversity policy.

Research

Research cited in ASX Corporate Governance Council Principles and Recommendations (as amended in June 2010)

• The Bottom Line: Corporate Performance and Women’s Representation on Boards, Catalyst, October 2007
• Australia's Hidden Resource "The economic case for increasing female participation" - Goldman Sachs JBWere, November 2009 (PDF 343KB)

Other research of interest 

• What stops women from reaching the top? Confronting the tough issues - Bain & Company, Chief Executive Women - 2011 (PDF 1.32MB)
• Women Matter: Gender Diversity a corporate performance driver, McKinsey & Company, 2007 (PDF 1.08MB)
• Level the playing field: a call for action on gender parity in Australia - Bain & Company, 2010 (PDF 934KB)
• Flexible work models:  How to bring sustainability to a 24/7 world - Bain & Company, 2010 (PDF 897KB)
• Women at the top of corporations: Making it happen - McKinsey & Company, 2010 (PDF 1.94MB)
• Moving Women to the top: McKinsey global survey results - McKinsey & Company, 2010
• ASX 500 Women Leaders: preliminary research note - Reibey Institute, 2010 (PDF 232KB)

Useful websites

A number of organisations have helpful information on their websites regarding diversity.

• Diversity Council Australia
• Australian Institute of Company Directors (board diversity page)
• Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency
• Chief Executive Women
• Women on boards
• Chartered Secretaries Australia
• Australian Human Rights Commission (Sex Discrimination)

Diversity consultants

The following links are provided for informational purposes only to assist listed companies to investigate resources available to them in undertaking diversity-related activities. ASX does not endorse or sponsor, and is not affiliated with, any of the consulting companies or individuals identified below ("consultants").  ASX does not give any warranty or representation as to the accuracy or reliability of the information supplied by the consultants, the suitability of the goods or services provided by the consultants, or the qualifications of the consultants. To the extent permitted by law, ASX and its employees, officers and contractors shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising in any way (including by way of negligence) from or in connection with any information provided or omitted, or from anyone acting or refraining to act in reliance on this information.  Listed companies seeking to utilise the services of a diversity consultant should undertake their own research and due diligence before doing so.  

• Deloitte  
• Diversity Consulting
• Diversity Council Australia (membership required)
• Diversity Partners   
• Ernst & Young (partner with Chief Executive Women in implementing the CEW Chief Executive Kit)
• Optimiss   
• Positive Leadership     
• Xplore for success