QBE Insurance Australia (QBE) has once again been named one of Australia's top LGBTQ Inclusion employers, receiving Gold Employer status for the second year in the 2020 Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI).

The ranking sees QBE maintain its position as the highest-rated insurer on the AWEI, Australia's benchmarking instrument for LGBTQ workplace inclusion, cementing QBE's place as an industry leader in this space.

The ranking was revealed at a preliminary awards announcement for the upcoming 2020 Australian LGBTQ Inclusion Awards, which recognise organisations based on the results of the AWEI, as well as leaders, individuals and networks that have made a significant contribution towards LGBTQ inclusion.

Frank Costigan, QBE Chief Customer Officer, Personal Lines, and one of the Executive Sponsors of QBE Pride, said the recognition is testament to the dedication and continuing efforts of the QBE Pride Committee.

'I'm so proud to be part of a leading organisation in LGBTQ inclusion. I have been incredibly impressed with the way the QBE Pride Committee has mobilised to deliver on our inclusion promise and equally as impressed with all QBE employees for championing this message of inclusivity across all areas of our business.

'I'm also thrilled to see QBE Pride, and our Pride Co-Chair, Ben Brown, named as finalists for the Employee Network of the Year and Network Leader of the Year awards, set to be announced during October's award ceremony.

'Looking to 2020 and beyond, it's a great opportunity to see what else we can do to drive inclusion, not only internally for our people, but also for our customers and partners. I look forward to continuing to work with the Committee to see how we can further amplify their amazing work and build a greater culture for all.'

QBE Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Catherine McNair, said it was an honour to be awarded the prestigious Gold status and acknowledged the impact of the QBE Pride Committee.

'An inclusive workplace is not only the right thing to do, it's embedded in our corporate DNA and is essential to delivering on our strategic plan and driving positive outcomes for our customers, people and partners.

'Special thanks must go to our QBE Pride Committee who have contributed significant time and effort over and above their day jobs - this achievement would not have been possible without their dedication and sustained commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive culture at QBE.'

The 2020 Australian LGBTQ Inclusion Awards preliminary announcements were attended virtually by more than 300 delegates, including community and business leaders from many Australian organisations. This year's main ceremony is being held on 19 October 2020 at the Hyatt Regency in Sydney.

About the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI)

Pride in Diversity annually publishes the key findings of the Australian Workplace Equality Index as part of the national benchmarking process for LGBTQ inclusion within Australian workplaces. This year 170 organisations participated in the survey with 33,572 employees responding. These reports focus on key findings within that survey. The benchmarking instrument and employee survey are published by the Pride in Diversity Program, ACON.

For more information:

Sarah Bond

Senior Communications Specialist

QBE Australia Pacific

Mobile: +61 466 028 302

Email: sarah.bond@qbe.com

(C) 2020 Electronic News Publishing, source ENP Newswire