Bendigo and Adelaide Bank celebrates International Day of People with Disability with new Access and Inclusion Plan

The plan was developed in partnership with the Australian Network on Disability and in consultation with the Bank’s employee access and inclusion network which comprises members who have lived experience with disability, a passion for building an inclusive workplace, and experience and interest in accessibility issues.

Louise Tebbutt Chief People Officer Bendigo and Adelaide Bank said, “Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s focus on access and inclusion is integral to how we serve our customers, grow our people and contribute to our communities.

“Access to our bank’s information, products and services and enabling people to communicate with us seamlessly is all part of enabling our bank to continue to lead in providing the outstanding customer experience for which we are renowned.

“By reducing barriers across the Bendigo and Adelaide Group and enabling our people to be their best, we will ensure that we deliver an exceptional customer and partner experience through their channels of choice.”

Suzanne Colbert AM, Chief Executive, Australian Network on Disability congratulated the bank on the development of the plan and welcomed their approach and actions.

“The plan will build understanding of the diversity of people with disability and build capability to accommodate difference for employees and community members which is vitally important for economic, social and cultural inclusion.”

“It will enable people with disability to compete equitably for jobs and to experience an inclusive workplace, while also ensuring Bendigo and Adelaide Bank customers with disability will have an accessible and inclusive experience,” Ms Colbert concluded.

“Our Bank has a proud history and is focused on growing the prosperity of our customers and their communities. By supporting each other’s differences and embracing a diverse and inclusive organisational culture, we are more reflective of the rich fabric of the communities in which we live and work.
“In the developmental stages of the plan, working group members shared valuable insights and contributions to its development, although we view the plan as very much a living document and will continue to consult widely as we refine and implement learnings in coming years.

“With a national footprint, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank is uniquely positioned to address barriers to meaningful participation in communities across the country and we are pleased to be able to play our part in the continuing integration of people with disability in every aspect of social, economic and cultural life.

“We believe that inclusive and accessible design is good for everybody and when our people feel valued and can be themselves, we bring out their best. This ultimately builds on our capacity to lead in both customer service excellence and achieve our vision to be Australia’s bank of choice,” Ms Tebbutt concluded.

Read the Access and Inclusion Plan 2020-22 as a PDF or in a screen-reader accessible version.

More information available here.