Hong Kong, 19 January 2015 – ASIATODAY.COM - Community Business, a not-for-profit organisation focusing on corporate responsibility and a thought leader on Diversity & Inclusion, today announces a significant new award category for its Hong Kong LGBT Workplace Inclusion Index 2015 – The LGBT Community Impact of the Year Award, sponsored by Goldman Sachs. This award aims to recognise an initiative driven by a not-for-profit organisation (NPO) or community group based in Hong Kong that has had a significant positive impact in promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) inclusion in Hong Kong in 2014.
Nomination is open from now until end of February 2015. Not-for-profit organisations or community group are encouraged to self-nominate for this award. Companies are also invited to nominate recipients for this award. Nominators may submit more than one nomination for different LGBT initiatives.
Nominations will be assessed on the extent to which the LGBT initiative has:
• Raised the profile of LGBT inclusion in the community
• Engaged key stakeholders on LGBT inclusion in the community
• Challenged mindsets around LGBT inclusion in the community
• Facilitated the introduction of new policies or practices regarding LGBT inclusion
• Partnered with other organisations to promote LGBT inclusion
• Encouraged partnerships and networks to come together into action
• Other significant factors contributing to enhancing LGBT inclusion in the community
“We are delighted to partner with Goldman Sachs, a long-term advocate of LGBT inclusion in Hong Kong, to acknowledge the great work many Hong Kong not-for-profit organisations and community groups undertake to promote greater inclusion for the LGBT community in Hong Kong,” said Mrs Fern Ngai, CEO of Community Business. “We have been championing greater LGBT inclusion in the workplace in Hong Kong for several years and recognise that it takes collaborative effort from many sectors of society to bring about change.”
Hong Kong has witnessed greater momentum and increased focus on LGBT inclusion in recent years. In addition to research by Community Business and its ongoing campaign to ‘Create Inclusive Workplaces for LGBT Employees’, other local not-for-profit and community groups have played a key role in raising awareness and garnering support for LGBT inclusion as an important social issue.
“With this award, we want to join with Community Business in acknowledging the significant contribution of many local, not-for-profit and community groups in promoting LGBT inclusion - not just in the workplace but in Hong Kong society at large,” said Ms Eva Chau, co-head of Human Capital Management for Asia at Goldman Sachs. “Hong Kong has been Goldman Sachs’ regional headquarters for more than 20 years and we believe there is a strong business case for LGBT inclusion.”
Goldman Sachs is a long-term advocate of LGBT inclusion - both in Hong Kong and globally. The firm is a lead sponsor of Community Business’ LGBT Resource Guides for Employers in Hong Kong, Mainland China and India, as well as the LGBT Online Resource Guide. Goldman Sachs’ commitment to LGBT inclusion has been recognised by various organizations around the world including a perfect score of 100% on Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index (2004-2015) in the United States, and the Employer of the Year award (2014) for LGBTI inclusion based on Pride in Diversity’s Australian Workplace Equality Index.
The Hong Kong LGBT Workplace Inclusion Index 2015 (Index) is the first and only benchmark in Asia on corporate policies and practices for creating inclusive workplaces for LGBT employees. Drawing on global best practice and based on Community Business’ extensive research in Asia, the purpose of this Index is to provide a driver and catalyst for the adoption of best practice with regard to LGBT workplace inclusion in Hong Kong. In addition to recognising and acknowledging those companies that are leading the way, it provides companies with a credible and robust tool by which to assess and communicate their progress on LGBT workplace inclusion in Hong Kong.
Companies with operations in Hong Kong are invited to complete a submission for the Index and make nominations for three additional awards recognising LGBT Network of the Year, LGBT Inclusion Champion of the Year, and LGBT Executive Sponsor of the Year by the deadline of 27 February 2015. The results of the Index, including award winners and Top 10 ranking companies, will be announced in May 2015. The Index is intended to be run every two years, giving companies time to address existing challenges and take steps to drive real progress in their organisations in Hong Kong.
For details about the Hong Kong LGBT Workplace Inclusion Index and the nomination process, please visit: www.communitybusiness.org/hklgbtindex/.
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Media Contact:
Joy TSANG (曾敏琪)
Head of Marketing & Communications
+852-2201-1818; +852-9486-4364; joy.tsang@communitybusiness.org
About Community Business
Community Business is a not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to lead, inspire and support businesses to improve their positive impact on people and communities. As a thought leader in corporate responsibility in Asia, Community Business conducts research, facilitates events and networks, leads campaigns and provides consultancy and training. Its major areas of focus include: Corporate Responsibility Strategy, Diversity & Inclusion, Work-Life Balance and Community Investment. Founded in 2003 and based in Hong Kong, Community Business works with leading organisations across the Asia region. For more information, http://www.communitybusiness.org.
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