Compass Group Australia recognised as an AWEI Silver Tier Employer

In an exciting step forward for Compass Group Australia’s (CGA) dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion, the business has officially been recognised as a Silver Tier Employer at the 2026 Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards.  

Pride in Diversity, a national not-for-profit employer support program for all aspects of LGBTQ+ inclusion in workplaces, leads the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI). AWEI provides a national benchmark for LGBTQ+ inclusion helping organisations measure progress across policies, practices and culture. This benchmark allows them to track progression as they work towards building and embedding a safe, inclusive and equitable workplace for employees who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Achieving Silver Employer status demonstrates a strong commitment to creating an inclusive environment. Since 2020, Pride has been one of CGA’s core value pillars, and it is truly one that is led by the heart of our teams.  

This progress has been supported by our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team and our employee-led PRIDE in Compass working group. Together, they play an important role in bringing lived experience into how we shape and strengthen inclusion across the business.   

Over the past year, that has included: strengthening awareness and education around psychosocial safety, evolving our recruitment processes to be more inclusive, supporting research into underrepresented groups in the LGBTQ+ community and grassroots initiatives like the Rainbow Shoelace project.

These are practical steps, but they are part of something bigger. Inclusion at CGA isn’t driven by a single program or moment. It is driven by our teams, shaped by our culture and demonstrated in the way we show up for each other.  

For Ian Jackson, Executive Director LWS – West and Pride Pillar Executive Sponsor, this recognition reflects both progress and responsibility across the business.  

“This is strong recognition for our business and a good reflection of the work that’s been building across our teams. I’m particularly proud of the contribution from our employee-led PRIDE in Compass working group who continue to bring lived experience to the way we approach inclusion.  

The real value for me sits behind the recognition. It’s the practical changes we’ve made and how we continue to support our people every day. It’s a solid step forward, and one we can continue to build on.” 

But the work doesn’t stop with this achievement; we know there is more to do. We are committed to building on this foundation and continuing to foster a safe, secure and respectful environment for our team. 

Photo by Pride in Diversity: Andrej Kultan (Executive Director – Business Transformation), John Toubia (Operations Manager – Restaurants Associates), Jodie Clark (Manager – Retail and Brand Development), Lucia Garlando (Senior Advisor – People Service), Claire Lovett-Cameron (Assistant Unit Manager – Restaurant Associates), Luke Butler (Senior Advisor – DE&I), Ellie Robertson (Specialist – Communications and Engagement), Jack Batchelor (Training Facilitator), Terrence Apiata (Advisor – Safety)