Strengthening gender equity takes accountability. Accountability is about more than making sure people do what they say they will do. True accountability is about helping others be the best they can be.

Recently, I marked six months as CEO of the City of Stirling. My personal mantra is ‘Do better’. This mantra flows down to the rest of the organisation, driving us to strive for excellence in everything we do. Staying relevant and ahead of the curve on big topics like gender equity is important.

We are currently undertaking a cultural review of the organisation. As we assess our organisational dynamics, we are keenly aware of the need to set clear priorities. Becoming a member of CEOs for Gender Equity is timely and will amplify our impact. Gender equity is an easy concept but a complicated fix, and I know I don’t have all the answers. That’s why I’ve joined CEOs for Gender Equity: to learn from my peers, share experiences, and collaborate to tackle this real workplace challenge together.

This is not a box-ticking exercise for me. I have always said that people are the most important part of this organisation. First, foremost, and always – it is about the people. For them to perform at their best, we want to build a culture of respect, inclusion, and empowerment. We are always looking for new ideas, challenging the status quo, and asking questions. There is always room for improvement.

We have made a good start in this space with our flexible work practices. We recognise that work-life balance is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. By accommodating diverse needs, we ensure that the best person for the job can thrive in their role.

When it comes to equity, I am proud to say that my Executive Team is now 50/50 talented men and women, following in the footsteps of a historically well-balanced Council.

Gender equity isn’t just the right thing to do. It brings value to our organisation. We serve a diverse population, offering 200 support services to our community of over 243,000 people. To make informed decisions and drive innovation, we need diverse perspectives. At the City of Stirling, our people are our greatest asset. We are committed to fostering a culture that embraces equality, inclusion, and diversity across all business areas, which reflects the vibrant community we serve. When the best people for the role have a seat at the table, we unlock creativity, empathy, and resilience and we can achieve our vision of becoming a sustainable City with a local focus.

By committing to continuous improvement and fostering an inclusive environment, we ensure that our efforts are meaningful and impactful. Together, we can create a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to excel.