2016 NSW Gender Diversity Champion in NSW Mining – Adam Lancey

Adam Lancey – 2016 NSW Gender Diversity Champion in NSW Mining

Adam believes that diversity and inclusion are essential to a well-functioning workplace. He recognises hard work and dedication and has not shied away from hiring the person he felt was best for the job. He has acted as a mentor for employees within the workplace – both male and female – and personifies the BHP Billiton Charter Values.

He has frequently shared information about what is viewed as some best practice diversity initiatives in other workplaces to assist the diversity and inclusion discussions within BHP Billiton at a Management level. He has been supportive of employee engagement opportunities where the topic to be covered and discussed is diversity – specifically gender diversity in the workplace. Adam was the first leader within the NSW Energy Coal business to get on board with a diversity initiative, and was the first team leader ready to schedule time for his team to participate – knowing that it would mean some time away from the site. He recognised that it would provide his team members, a group largely made up of men, with an opportunity to challenge their thinking and develop on a personal and professional level. Without the support of leaders like Adam, the benefit of such initiatives would ultimately not be shared amongst employees.

When Adam initially moved to his role at Mt Arthur Coal’s Coal Handling and Preparation Plant in 2013, there were approximately 2 females working there. When Adam left in late 2015, there were 7 female employees, with 3 females in leadership positions (this includes Supervisor, Superintendent, and Manager).

Adam has also been vocal about support for female employees who wanted to participate in the WIMnet NSW Mentoring Program. He personally encouraged one employee, to apply for the 2016 Program who not only was accepted into the Program but she received one of two scholarships awarded by Energetics to female mentees to cover the costs of their participation in the Program. He recognised that enabling their participation could be one way of helping to retain their talent for both the Company and the industry. The leadership team agreed with Adam’s recommendation, which has now established a precedent for future female employees looking to their leaders to assist them with funding their participation in initiatives such as the WIMnet NSW Mentoring Program.