Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion journey
Our people. Our culture. Our impact.
At the Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL), diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are central to who we are and how we work.
Our vision of an Australia free of poverty depends on an organisation where people feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully. By embedding DEI across our workforce, leadership, culture and systems, we foster an inclusive and accessible work environment, and strengthen our ability to deliver inclusive programs, services and advocacy in partnership with the communities we serve.
Our DEI journey is ongoing. It requires intentional action, shared responsibility and a willingness to learn and grow together.
Why DEI matters
Poverty is shaped by multiple, overlapping factors - including race, gender, disability, health, caring responsibilities, education, employment and more. These experiences intersect and compound, increasing the risk of exclusion and marginalisation.
Within BSL, a strong internal focus on diversity, equity and inclusion seeks to:
- Create a workplace where people feel safe, valued and able to be themselves
- Support equitable access to opportunities, development and leadership
- Strengthen collaboration, innovation and decision‑making
- Build organisational capability to respond to complex social challenges
When our people feel included and supported, we are better equipped to design and deliver services, programs and policy responses that reflect lived experience and address systemic barriers.
Our values in action
Our approach to DEI is grounded in our values. Living these values means regularly examining how our policies, practices and culture affect people differently - and taking action where change is needed.
Our organisational commitments are articulated in our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement , which sets clear expectations for behaviour, decision‑making and accountability across BSL.
What guides our approach
Our DEI work is informed by lived experience, evidence and best practice. This includes:
- Intersectionality - recognising that people hold multiple identities and experiences that intersect and can intensify disadvantage
- Cultural safety - creating environments where people feel respected, safe and able to be their authentic selves
- Universal design - designing systems, spaces and ways of working to be inclusive and accessible from the outset
- Human rights and anti‑discrimination principles - actively preventing discrimination, harassment and exclusion
These principles shape how we lead, work together and support one another across BSL.
Our commitments in practice
Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is expressed through connected and reinforcing areas of focus across the organisation.
This includes our work to progress reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through our Reconciliation Journey , recognition of belief, culture and identity through our Spiritual Journey , advancing gender equality and transparency through our Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) reporting , and strengthening access and inclusion through our Stretch Disability Action Plan .
Together, these contribute to a culture of respect, fairness and belonging - and support our ability to deliver inclusive, effective outcomes externally.