Westpac has today launched its latest Access and Inclusion Plan with renewed commitments regarding accessibility and inclusion, and a particular focus on supporting people with disability.
Westpac's 2021-2024 Access and Inclusion Plan focuses on inclusion in the workplace and the accessible design of products and services. It was developed in consultation with the accessibility sector and through feedback from the lived experiences of customers and employees with disability.
The commitments in the plan are based on the Australian Network on Disability's 'Access and Inclusion Index' benchmarking tool, and include areas such as the accessibility of Westpac's workplaces, communication and marketing, technology, and products and services, and diversity in recruitment.
Westpac has a long history of supporting accessibility and inclusion, announcing its first disability action plan in 2001. Since then, Westpac has launched a number of key initiatives, including a dedicated recruitment program for people with autism - Tailored Talent - which adapts the traditional hiring process to allow people on the autism spectrum to showcase their skills.
Westpac Group CEO, Peter King, said: "I'm proud to launch our latest Access and Inclusion Plan today. Westpac's purpose is to help Australians succeed and we believe disability is no barrier to success.
"The plan builds on the solid foundation we've laid over the past two decades, while seeking to address any gaps. We know it's important to regularly review our commitments to ensure we keep pace with changing needs, particularly as technology continues to evolve and change the way we bank," he said.
Dr Ben Gauntlett, Disability Discrimination Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission, commended Westpac Group for its clear commitment to access and inclusion.
"Westpac has highlighted the importance of accessibility by having a strategy to support employees, customers, and members of the community with disability, and regularly reviewing their commitments.
"Westpac's efforts set an example for other organisations to follow and have a positive impact on the whole community, not just people with disability," Dr Gauntlett said.
Westpac's 2021-2024 Access and Inclusion Plan is available on our website.
