AWEI Submission: Standard Employers

AWEI Submission

Standard Employer Collaboration Worksheets

This Excel workbook can be utilised by your team internally, for your ongoing work; tracking; and completion of the Submission. It is not a requirement, nor does it need to be included with your Submission. It is an extra proviso for your internal collaboration, whether the Index will be completed by an individual or by group effort.

It includes three tabs:

1. Grid: a consolidated breakdown of the points metrics within both the Foundation and Advanced Submission
2. Foundation: for collation of work within this part of the AWEI Submission
3. Advanced: for collation of work within this part of the AWEI Submission

Please note: This is not to be used as your Submission document.

AWEI Submission Portal – User Guide

In addition to access to the online portal, this document provides step-by-step instructions, key guidelines, and best practice suggestions to assist you in completing your submission through the new digitised system. This online portal has been integrated into the AWEI Submission process as a user-friendly and intuitive way to complete your submission. That said, we encourage you to consider making the switch by clicking the relevant submission links above!

PID AWEI Factsheet – AWEI as a Roadmap

The AWEI contains a set of criteria that empowers organisations to develop their LGBTQ+ inclusion strategies and action plans, through an evidence-based approach, guided by best practice insights from national and global trends in workplace inclusion. Organisations can use the criteria solely for planning or may also have their work audited through the Submission process.

This roadmap walks you through those key areas of LGBTQ+ inclusion practice.

PID Toolkit – AWEI Submission Participation

This Toolkit provides insight to the benefits of AWEI participations, including case studies from participating organisations. It also provides advice regarding things to consider when completing your AWEI Submission, including resources provided, evidence provision, (suggested) detailed timelines, and more.

This will give you the information you need to develop a business case in order to get approval to participate, and liaise with your senior leadership team, internal communications team, and other key stakeholders, to develop your action plan.

AWEI Submission – Iteration 6 Updates

A summary document outlining the key changes to the updated Foundation and Advanced Submissions. This resource is intended to provide a clear overview of the most notable updates and highlight areas participants may wish to pay particular attention to.

It is designed as a reference guide to support understanding of the new iteration and to assist organisations in preparing for the updated submission requirements.

ACON Privacy Policy & ACON Research Data Security Policy

Both our Privacy Policy and Security Policy documents are provided to support the strict guidelines we adhere to when accepting Submissions; and any confidential data, documents or information provided within them to support the required criteria.

Other Supporting Information

You can access videos from Pride in Diversity’s public Vimeo Library, which include a collection of videos surrounding changes to the AWEI; changes to Tier entry points; how to effectively complete and submit an Index; and more.

• 1. Structure of the AWEI
• 2. Foundation Submission information
• 3. Advanced Submission information
• 4. Platinum Submission information

Pride in Diversity members also have access to their dedicated Relationship Manager for support in how to best address the criteria, prepare their submission and ultimately obtain the best score possible.

Be sure you are signed up to the AWEI Mailing List, to receive information regarding any updates or continued advice regarding your Submission.

Should you have any questions, please contact:

Your dedicated Relationship Manager (if you are a Pride in Diversity member)

Will Reilly, Index Project Manager: awei@acon.org.au or reply to this email

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Submission Deadlines

🗓 Foundation Submissions (Standard & Small Employers): Accepted year-round.

Submitters can fast-track their Foundation Submission at any time between 1 June – 1 December.

🗓 Advanced Submissions (Standard & Small Employers):
📌 Deadline: 5:00pm AEDT Monday 22 February 2027.
⚠ No extensions will be granted to ensure fairness in benchmarking.

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Tier Entry Points

To achieve Bronze Tier Status within the AWEI Foundation Submission, participating organisations must obtain 80% of allocated points. This is 64 points out of 80 points.

To achieve Silver Tier Status within the AWEI Advanced Submission, participating organisations must obtain 60% of allocated points. This is 72 points out of 120 points.

To achieve Gold Tier Status within the AWEI Advanced Submission, participating organisations must obtain 85% of allocated points. This is 102 points out of 120 points.

To achieve Platinum Tier Status within the AWEI Advanced Submission, participating organisations must obtain a Gold Tier score for four out of the last five submission years. Learn more about Platinum Tier Employers here.

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Recognition & Results

• Tier rankings (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) are announced at the Annual Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards, where top-performing organisations are publicly recognised.
• Formal results, including individual benchmarking reports, are sent directly to all submitting organisations after the awards. For Foundation Submissions that are fast-tracked and submitted between June and December, results are provided as soon as the review and marking process is complete.

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Need Support?

For guidance and resources to assist with your submission, visit our AWEI FAQs or contact our team at awei@acon.org.au or call (02) 9206 2139.