Lindall West

I really hate this term. It’s supposed to be shorthand for describing executives who genuinely act how they expect their employees to act. Every gender action plan has it. Every ESG policy has it. Every strategy document has it. But what does it mean and how can you tell whether it’s happening. My thinking is …

“Walk the talk”: a call to action or just more jargon? Read More »

It’s an unenviable position for those people in the parent company of a franchise business. A colleague once described it to me as “handing over the keys to the car, being locked in the boot and not knowing where you are being driven, but still being responsible for the insurance”. Although a little extreme, it’s …

Risk and Reputation for Franchisees Read More »

A few weeks ago, Victoria’s Daniel Andrews Labor Government announced it is implementing recommendations from its workplace sexual harassment taskforce, including restricting the use of non-disclosure agreements. I was relieved to see some caution around its implementation by having further consultation. Although Australia’s record on eradicating sexual harassment from the workplace is not a source …

Caution is Required with Non-Disclosure Agreements’ Reform Read More »

The West Australian Parliament’s Community Development and Justice Standing Committee recently released its second report into sexual harassment of women in the FIFO mining industry. It makes for sobering reading. The stories seem almost inconceivable in today’s society,  making the need to address the findings comprehensively and urgently even more critical. Much of the report …

WA Parliamentary Enquiry Response Read More »

While many for-profit businesses struggle to define their higher purpose, that’s not the case for not-for profits – their purpose is clearly defined by their social mission. This makes it easy to attract people to the cause – whether it be potential employees or volunteers. People sign up because the mission statement appeals. But with …

The Highs and Lows of Working in the Not-For-Profit Sector Read More »

Boards and audit and risk committees are increasingly putting internal audit functions under the microscope to better understand and audit their organisations’ culture and conduct. For many auditors, this simply extends what they have always done. But for some this is unchartered waters. To date, there are very few factual datapoints for auditors to use. …

Organisations are Auditing their Culture and Conduct. Are You? Read More »

Physical safety in workplaces has been a huge focus for leaders and boards – especially those industries where the risk of injuries, or even death, are significant. These organisations have embarked on their safety journey by addressing both culture and systems. John Makris, a WHS expert at Kingston Reid, reflects that “building an effective safety …

Is Your Workplace Safe? Read More »