As a global company, we are actively participating in the development of local communities and recognizing the collective rights of these communities. Through our projects, our employees’ commitments and our corporate activities, we strive to contribute positively to the places where we live and operate.

Our teams bring global expertise to their local communities, dare to challenge the status quo, collaborate with and learn from others, and are empowered to turn challenges into opportunities. We are proud to take steps to champion and promote positive change for Indigenous Peoples and for a more inclusive society - one that delivers positive social impacts.

In Australia, WSP works to create equitable, inclusive and sustainable societies. We are in a privileged position to effect significant pace-based change through the delivery of large scale infrastructure and built environment projects.

 We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of this land and the places on which we live and work. Since 2010, we have had a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in place which supports a range of initiatives including existing pre-employment initiatives such as the Indigenous Australian Engineering Summer Schools and the Smith Family as well as the inaugural Science and Infrastructure (SID) School which we have established with Queensland University of Technology (QUT).

 In July 2019, we took another step towards reconciliation. We joined our clients, industry colleagues and fellow Australians in recognising the importance of the Uluru Statement from the Heart to Australia’s First Nations people during NAIDOC week. Our commitments through our RAP include involving Indigenous communities in infrastructure projects and stimulating growth for local Indigenous businesses to help create strong and culturally respectful relationships with their people and connection to the land. We recently invited Indigenous businesses across various industries and services to our Melbourne office to attend our Indigenous Supplier Workshop to learn more about the opportunities to work with WSP and in shaping our thriving societies. As an outcome, we have recently added a number of Indigenous businesses to our supplier register and made many connections for future work together.

Our work in gender equality continues to garner momentum an recognition in the industry. In March 2019, we were cited as a 2018-2019 Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Association (WGEA).

Our #engineeredOURway program continues to elevate the gender balance discussion in industry. In 2018 and 2019, our weekly profiling campaign demonstrates the changes taking place towards equality at WSP at the leadership level. It also showcases positive examples of men and women who are forging pathways in their fields of expertise and helping change the gender balance status quo.

Additional community-based initiatives in 2018 include:

• Becoming the largest employer of Smith Family Cadets
• Winning a Consult Australia Gold Award for Excellence in CSR for our Science and Infrastructure Development (SID) school, an initiative we established in partnership with Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
• Supporting our people in their involvement and fundraising activities with various charitable organisations including Brain Cancer Research, Tribal Warriors and more
• Being certified as a Great Place to Work
• Delivering mental health training to our people
• Celebrating International Women’s Day at various Australian locations
• Provided support to help our people inspire STEM pathways by getting involved in community-based, school and industry events