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Inclusion

Inclusion in the workplace is an important issue for all Australian businesses. As CMEs, we are closely connected to our communities through our membership, and believe that our workforce should reflect the diversity of our community.

There is also a sound business case for inclusion in the workforce and proven benefits of employing and retaining workers with diverse abilities. Understanding this business case, and how to lead your organisation to greater inclusivity, can position CMEs as ‘employers of choice’.

BCCM has published research on both gender and disability inclusion in the CME sector.

In 2020-21, BCCM will undertake new research into the inclusion of Aboriginal and Indigenous Australians in the CME workforce and research into the potential of the CME model to provide solutions in the care economy.

BCCM inclusion

Disability inclusion toolkit
Accessibility and Inclusion Action Plan (AIAP) Toolkit

This toolkit is a resource to assist CME businesses to develop Accessibility and Inclusion Action Plans (previously known as Disability Action Plans). These plans may be used to support employers to increase the number of people with disabilities they engage; to provide the necessary workplace adjustments and initiatives that enable people with disabilities to work effectively; and to ensure that businesses are getting the greatest benefit from a more diverse and inclusive workshop.

Disability Inclusion in the CME sector in Australia report

Disability Inclusion in the Cooperatives and Mutuals Sector in Australia Report

A Research Report by Per Capita for the Business Council of Cooperatives and Mutuals, November 2019

This report is the outcome of a six-month collaborative project to explore ways in which businesses in the CME sector in Australia can position themselves as ‘employers of choice’ for people with disabilities, and meaningfully increase their engagement and support of employees who live with disabilities.

Gender inclusion in the CME sector in Australia report

Eliza’s Project: Gender inclusion in the CME sector in Australia

Women had equal voting power in co-operatives decades before the success of the women’s suffrage movement. This report looks at the current position of gender inclusion.

Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders

In 2020-21, BCCM undertook new research into the inclusion of Aboriginal and Indigenous Australians in the CME workforce and research into the potential of the CME model to provide solutions in the care economy. This report will be published in August 2021.

Co-operatives governed with and by First Nations people in Australia operate across many sectors from health services to banking, cultural and arts services and housing. You can read more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Co-operatives.