Audit Express launches Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Support Program
Unlock the power of embracing diversity & inclusion in your organisation
As the world continues to evolve and embrace diversity in all its forms, organisations recognise the importance of fostering inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and included. At Audit Express, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Support Program, specifically designed to assist organisations with their policies, processes, and controls, and to help them become more inclusive organisations where everyone can thrive.
In 2022, Audit Express was awarded a Small Business Grant by Globe Melbourne, which is supporting us to launch our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Support Program, and to make this available to an initial pilot group of ten community and not-for-profit organisations at no cost. In our commitment to supporting organisations to achieve excellence in their approach to ensuring Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, we are extending the number of places in our initial pilot group to also include an additional ten sporting groups and/or small businesses that currently provide, or are aspiring to provide, services to the LGBTIQA+ community, or are seeking to improve their policies, processes, and controls that relate to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI).
Why Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Matter
Diversity, equity & inclusion are not just buzzwords, but essential values that organisations should be prioritising. Embracing diversity means recognising and valuing differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, and more. Equity ensures fairness and equal opportunities for all individuals, while inclusivity means creating an environment where everyone feels respected, heard, and included. Belonging goes beyond diversity and inclusivity and creates a sense of community and acceptance where everyone feels like they belong.
Organisations that prioritise diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging benefit in many ways. They are more likely to attract and retain diverse talent, foster innovation and creativity, and create a positive and inclusive workplace culture where employees feel motivated and engaged. In addition, organisations that are committed to diversity and inclusion are better positioned to serve diverse communities and customers, which can result in improved business performance and increased customer loyalty.
Introducing the Audit Express Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Support Program
At Audit Express, we understand that creating inclusive organisations requires intentional effort and meaningful actions. Our new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Support Program is designed to provide comprehensive support to organisations seeking to develop and implement effective policies, processes, and controls to promote and support diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging within their organisations.
Why your organisation should apply to join the Audit Express DEI Support Program
Organisations play a crucial role in shaping the culture and society in which we live. By joining and participating in the Audit Express Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Support Program, organisations will not only receive access to a suite of DEI policies, tools and templates to customise and implement, but they will also get the opportunity to undergo a DEI review to identify any issues needing to be addressed and opportunities for improvement.
Our DEI support program participants will be able to participate in a range of professional development courses, workshops position and networking opportunities, positioning them as leaders in fostering inclusive environments that celebrate diversity, promote equity, and drive meaningful change.
What is involved & what is the commitment?
By signing up to join the Audit Express DEI Support Program, you are committing to participating in all parts of the structured 3-month program, which includes a schedule of activities, workshops and milestones, including:
- Virtual onboarding webinar
(30-minute webinar/webinar recording) - Initial discovery session that will help us to get to know your organisation, and our team will work with you to define and set agreed DEI objectives, goals and targets.
(60-minute virtual meeting) - Our team will then review your organisation’s website, marketing content, policies, documented processes and systems across your organisation that relate to DEI and impact or relate to your employees and clients.
- Post-review meeting to discuss key observations, findings and recommendations
(30-minute virtual meeting) - Regular catch-ups to make sure you are on track to achieve the agreed DEI objectives, goals and targets
(20-minute virtual meeting every 2-3 weeks) - End-of-program networking event, where you will get the chance to meet and connect with other participants of the program and the team from Audit Express
(2-hour networking event) - Program alumni will also be invited to join our DEI Virtual Community, which is made up of a network of like-minded professionals that are seeking to make a difference and both individuals and organisations that have completed the Audit Express DEI Support Program.
Do you and your organisation have what it takes to make a difference?
We want to work with individuals and organisations that want to make a difference and are both committed and ready to take action in making changes and improvements in their respective organisations.
Given the limited number of spaces in this program, individuals and organisations wanting to participate must go through the application process. Participating organisations are expected to nominate one person to represent their organisation as the key point of contact for the in-person meetings, workshops and forums that form part of the support program. The nominated person representing the organisation in participating in our DEI Support Program should have the level of seniority, authority, or approval to develop and implement policy within their organisation or the support of management to make recommendations for potential changes and improvements.
Cost & who should apply
Cost
As mentioned above, as a recipient of a GLOBE Small Business Grant, Audit Express are offering a place in our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Support Program to an initial group of ten community and not-for-profit organisations at no cost.
In its commitment to supporting organisations to improve their approach to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Audit Express is extending this generous offer to an additional ten sporting groups and/or small businesses at no cost.
Who should apply
This offer is only available to a limited number of individuals and organisations. Audit Express is seeking to make an impact with this support program. Preference will be given to applicants that are seeking to improve their approach to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and organisations that are currently providing or are aspiring to provide services to diverse groups and cohorts or customers/students/clients, including:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- Refuge and migrant communities
- LGBTIQA+ community
- Individuals experiencing homelessness
- Long-term unemployed
- Individuals needing care and support (aged care/disability support/substance abuse/mental health)
The application process
How to convince your boss
To help you convince your boss we have prepared a template letter that you can download to help you to convince your boss/supervisor/manager/CEO that applying to participate in the Audit Express DEI Support Program is a good idea and to also help you to explain how your organisation will benefit.
Click here to download our template letter to help you convince your boss!
How to apply
Click on the link below to apply for a place in the first intake of our Diversity Equity & Inclusion Support Program.
If you are seeking more information or have any questions about our DEI support program, contact us by phone: 1300735541 or email: info@auditexpress.com.au.
Application deadline
The closing date and time for submitting applications is Friday 16th June 2023 at 5:30pm (AEDT).
Timeline
Application stage:
The application process closes at 5:30pm on Friday, 16th June 2023.
Confirmation of acceptance into the program:
Audit Express will start reviewing applications on Monday, 19th June 2023, and will notify applicants of the outcome of their application and if they have secured a place in the program. This communication will be sent to applicants by email on the week commencing Friday, 23rd June 2023.
DEI Support Program start date:
Audit Express anticipates that the DEI Support Program will officially commence on the week commencing Monday, 3rd July 2023.
