Gender equality is defined as “The equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities of women, men and trans and gender-diverse people. Equality does not mean that women, men and trans and gender diverse people will become the same but that their rights, responsibilities and opportunities will not depend on their gender.”

We recognize the social, economic and cultural benefits of gender equality and we understand the roles that workplaces can play to help achieve broader societal aims in this area.

Helping Hand has partnered with Our Watch to embed its evidence based workplace equality and respect processes.

Gender Pay Gap Statement

Each year, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) publishes gender pay gap information to support transparency and drive improved understanding of workforce participation and representation across Australian organisations.

Helping Hand welcomes this reporting as an opportunity to strengthen organisational insight and inform strategic workforce planning. As a not-for-profit aged care provider employing more than 2,400 people, we operate within a sector characterised by high female participation and regulated pay structures, which shape gender pay gap outcomes differently from many other industries.

Click here to download our WGEA Employer Statement for 2024-2025

Helping Hand remains committed to creating a workplace where opportunity, participation and recognition are equitable, supporting a workforce that reflects and serves the communities in which we operate.

Helping Hand celebrates and embraces the LGBTIQA+ diversity of people who use our services and are in our workforce.

This includes diversity in terms of sexuality, gender identity and sex characteristics. We stand alongside the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans/transgender, intersex, queer/questioning and asexual (LGBTIQA+) communities as allies in changing community attitudes and practices.

Helping Hand recognises the need for all individuals to feel welcome and included, and to build on our existing commitment to non-discriminatory, respectful behaviour and practices documented in our policies and code of conduct.

Read our position statement about LGBTIQA+ communities, Everyone is Welcome and Included.

Read more

Family and Domestic Violence

Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) is a serious issue. Helping Hand is committed to supporting all people experiencing Family and Domestic Violence. Our support extends to all gender identities and also recognises that for women, Family and Domestic Violence is driven by gender inequality.

We have a range of procedures and guidelines to support team members experiencing FDV. Support is available for all Helping Hand team members, including casuals. There are several options of support available:

  • Ten days of paid leave to attend matters associated with FDV, and recorded as Special Leave
  • Flexible working conditions (such as changing location or rosters)
  • Emergency support in the form of basic personal items, food vouchers, phone, and emergency accommodation up to $1000
  • Referral to expert services.

More than 60 managers across the organisation have participated in training with the Working Women’s Centre to increase their knowledge about FDV and to learn how to support staff who disclose they are experiencing FDV.