Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Inclusion
Maddocks CALD Network was established following the Diversity Survey undertaken in September 2019.
CALD is a community of Maddocks partners and staff who ensure that Maddocks reflects the diversity of our firm, clients and the communities which we live in. In order to maintain and continuously build upon our inclusive workplace culture we look at ways we can:
- take meaningful steps to support and celebrate cultural diversity and inclusion both internally and externally
- celebrate and acknowledge key cultural events such as Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Rosh Hashanah, Greek Easter and Diwali
- sponsor conferences and university events such as the Asian Australian Lawyers National Cultural Diversity Summit and the William Ah Ket Scholarship
- raise awareness of CALD issues through internal communication, education and awareness
- invite guest speakers who are recognised and experienced in the cultural diversity space in to share lived experiences and learnings as well as to acknowledge significant days in the culturally diverse calendar including the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
- ensure cultural inclusion is considered when planning internal and external communications and events
- support and collaborate with our P&C team on attraction, recruitment and retention strategies
- support CALD suppliers and small businesses through utilising their catering, merchandise and graphic design talents
Hear My Name
While having your name mispronounced may seem like a small thing, it can have significant implications for how a person feels and is perceived. Our name is a fundamental part of our identity and mispronouncing someone’s name can be a significant source of frustration and embarrassment, especially in a workplace setting. Getting someone’s name right is more than basic politeness, it’s about respect and inclusion. This year we piloted a software solution called Namecoach which enables people to have the opportunity, in a safe space, to hear audio recordings of a person’s name to assist with learning how to pronounce them correctly. Championed by our CALD network, following a successful pilot we are now extending this technology to everyone at Maddocks. Our vision is that this project will inspire other organisations to consider solutions to these issues. This initiative and our leadership role within it also strongly aligns with the firm’s vision of being the Modern Australian Law Firm.
Network Leaders
Maddocks Pride
At Maddocks we believe that people perform better when they can bring their whole self to work. That is why we launched Maddocks Pride.
Gender Equality Network
We are committed to driving initiatives that create gender equality in the workplace. Originally named Maddocks Women, founded in 1997, the Maddocks Gender Equality Network leads significant initiatives that promote gender diversity and inclusion. It is open to all genders.
More about Diversity & Inclusion at Maddocks
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion and to making a difference in the communities in which we operate, means there are opportunities for our people play a greater role beyond their job title.
Partner
Sydney