Pilot program helps shape guidance materials for the Gender Equality Act 2020

The Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector has prepared guidance materials to assist defined entities with meeting their obligations under the Gender Equality Act 2020.

As part of the preparation, the Commission trialled draft guidance materials with 10 local councils and seven public entities who are covered by the Act, through a series of pilot programs. The pilot programs concluded in September 2020.

As part of the pilots, the Commission tested draft materials for gender impact assessments and workplace gender audits. These are two of the key obligations for defined entities under the Act.

During the gender impact assessments pilot, participants chose a policy, program or service to undertake a gender impact assessment upon. This was an opportunity to test the process against a wide range of programs. The pilots provided useful insights for the Commission to amend the guidance materials to ensure that entities would be able to easily embed gender impact assessments into their business as usual processes.

Participants also trialled a workplace gender audit tool covering key workplace gender equality indicators including equal remuneration, workplace composition and sexual harassment. The pilots revealed that entities have varying levels of data available, and highlighted areas where the Commission can focus its efforts in supporting defined entities in 2021.

Overall, the pilots indicated that defined entities have a strong commitment to improving gender equality in their workplaces.

The Commission would like to thank the pilot participants who provided their invaluable feedback throughout this program.

Read the guidance materials for gender impact assessments, Gender Equality Action Plans and workplace gender auditing.