Closing the gender gap: TRI set to tap into vast skills of women returning to the workforce through Career Revive program

TRI is taking steps to support, retain and attract more women returning to work after a long career break through its participation in the Career Revive program.

The Commonwealth Department of Education, Skills and Employment has selected TRI as one of the businesses to participate in the highly competitive program, which will see TRI benefit from expert advice from KPMG consultants over the next year.

KPMG will review TRI’s workplace, processes, policies and culture to identity potential barriers to attracting talented women returning to work.

The consultants will offer guidance on how to improve TRI’s business practices and policies, and will develop a tailored action plan. They will also provide support for implementing changes, as well as helping TRI to address any other barriers within the business.

Through the program, TRI will participate in mentoring sessions, networking opportunities, action learning groups and workshops, as well as other activities.

Women comprise 48% of all employed people in Australia, with 26% working full-time, and 22% working part-time. [1] According to the Australian Human Rights Commission, women are affected by inequality in many forms, from the gender ‘pay gap’, to barriers to entering leadership roles, and encountering reduced employment opportunities because of the time they give to family and caring responsibilities. [2]

TRI’s CEO, Professor Scott Bell, said boosting the number of women in senior roles across the Institute was a priority.

“Gender equity is already a high priority through TRI’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy,” Professor Bell said.

“However, organisations can always do better, and that’s why we’re thrilled to have been selected for the Career Revive program.

“Our female researchers and corporate staff contribute so much to TRI.

“There are many other talented women wanting to re-enter the workforce and we want to make sure we can recruit and support them with the right opportunities.”