Diversity Strategy · ATO DEI Strategy

Australian Taxation Office

From award-winning programs to an executive-led, enterprise-wide DEI strategy.

Shifting from programmatic initiatives to a fully integrated, leadership-accountable DEI model.

Client Goals

The mandate

The Australian Tax Office (ATO) had built a strong reputation as a top employer for diversity and inclusion, with multiple awards and well-established programs. Leaders recognised a critical next step: fully embedding DEI into business strategy, governance, and leadership accountability.

●Identify DEI gaps and risks
●Strengthen leadership ownership of DEI outcomes
●Align DEI investment with broader organisational strategy
●Move from activity-based initiatives to sustainable cultural integration

What We Did

Our approach

Phase 1: DEI Diagnostic

●Best-practice benchmarking against leading organisations
●Stakeholder interviews and employee focus groups
●Comprehensive policy and documentation review
●Identification of structural, governance, and accountability gaps

Phase 2: Strategy Development & Executive Alignment

●Practical, enterprise-wide DEI roadmap
●Measurable metrics aligned to business objectives
●Strengthened governance and accountability frameworks
●Executive consultations to shift ownership from HR to business leaders
●Executive endorsement of the final strategy

The Outcome

What changed

Executive-approved, enterprise-wide DEI Strategy with embedded leadership accountability. The organisation transitioned from a programmatic HR-led approach to:

●Clear executive ownership of DEI outcomes
●Defined governance structures and accountability mechanisms
●Measurable DEI metrics aligned with business strategy
●Stronger integration of data and analytics to identify risks
●Enhanced pathways to advance diverse talent
●Revitalised employee networks and capability-building initiatives

Key Impact Areas

Where it landed

Leadership Accountability

DEI outcomes formally integrated into leadership responsibility.

Strategic Alignment

DEI priorities aligned to enterprise-wide objectives.

Governance & Measurement

Structured oversight and tracking frameworks introduced.

Cultural Integration

Clear roadmap to move from compliance to inclusive culture.

Services Delivered

What we provided

✓Stakeholder Consultation
✓Employee Focus Groups
✓DEI Best Practice Benchmarking
✓Desktop & Policy Review
✓Executive Engagement & Facilitation
✓Enterprise DEI Strategy Development

Client Feedback

In their words

"Thank you, Felicity! We've included all of the recommendations in the strategy and implementation plan. The strategy has been received well and our social media engagement with the launch was really positive."

— Natalee George, Director, Workplace Diversity | ATO People, Australian Taxation Office

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