August, 2019 – Innovative SAAS parental leave & flexibility platform, Grace Papers, has announced two new high profile additions to its growing team in Australia.
As the social change business continues to expand rapidly, new hires Kristy Macfarlane and Kate Gilson bring with them an incredible depth of insight and experience in diversity and gender equality leadership. Both have been instrumental in previous roles in bringing diversity and gender equality to the top of the corporate agenda and acted as implementation leads for Male Champions of Change. Kristy will step into the role of Head of Client Services Brisbane, and Kate shares the same title, but her focus will be on Melbourne.
“Our platform combined with our expert consulting services deliver award-winning solutions for workplaces seeking to close the gender gap, and it is going from strength to strength.
Kristy and Kate share our mission in redesigning workplaces to be inclusive of women as well as men in order to realise the economic and social benefits of gender equity. Each brings deep expertise in their ability to translate data insights, and support our clients to drive targeted interventions to close the gender gap” said Grace Papers founder and CEO Prue Gilbert.
Kristy Macfarlane
Having led the Diversity & Inclusion agenda for the past five years at National Australia Bank (NAB), Kristy is a senior leader in Human Resources and a subject matter expert in Diversity & Inclusion. She has advanced NAB’s commitment to 40-60% female representation and was instrumental in the company becoming a GOLD employer in the Australian Workplace Equality Index.
Kristy will be vital in supporting Grace Papers’ local clients on the ground in Brisbane, as well as nationally, guiding them through the award-winning programs with a focus on parental leave transitions, workplace flexibility and gender inclusion.
Prue Gilbert, CEO and co-founder of Grace Papers commented “I have had the privilege of working with Kristy over the past five years and am thrilled to welcome her to the team. Her extensive gender expertise and coaching and facilitation capabilities, coupled with her strategic approach to inclusion, are sure to bolster the support we provide and the relationships we build with our clients.”
Kristy adds “I’m looking forward to using my expertise in inclusion and diversity and support Grace Papers’ growth into new markets, and ultimately to empower parents to anchor to their purpose and be their best self.”
Kristy is a certified practitioner with the Australian Human Resource Institute (AHRI), an Executive Coach and has a double degree in Commerce and Organisational Behaviour.
Kate Gilson
Kate is a People & Culture Leader with over 20 years’ experience in HR and leadership. Most recently she was Head of Organisational Effectiveness at Viva Energy, building a strong people capability and a distinctive culture. She was responsible for creating a new performance culture and building deep and rewarding relationships with leaders, helping shape and grow their businesses, as well as challenging their thinking.
Her experience will provide Grace Papers clients with innovative gender inclusion strategies and cutting-edge policies and practices.
Prue Gilbert, said
“Kate is a progressive thinker, a highly respected HR professional and brings a unique perspective on Diversity & Inclusion from her experience in a traditionally male dominated industry.
Our partnership with Kate and Viva has seen the business achieve parity in the number of women and men taking parental leave, joining just a few others in Australia. We are excited that Kate has chosen to join us on our mission to drive gender equality.”
Commenting on her new role, Kate added “I’ve been a huge fan of the Grace Papers platform for a long time, admiring the support it offers both men and women at what can be a vulnerable time in their career. I’m passionate about creating workplaces where there are equal opportunities for both men and women, at all stages of their career and believe we can make a real impact through Grace Papers. Even in 2019, this can mean tough choices and bold leadership, but businesses who have help developing knowledge, creativity and building trust can really make it work.”
Kate has a degree in Arts majoring in politics and employee relations, and post graduate qualifications in Industrial Relations & Human Resource Management.
ENDS
Kristy can be contacted on 0457 519 877 or at Kristy@gracepapers.com.au
Kate will commence after an extended break with her family. In the meantime, please direct enquiries to Prue Gilbert on 0413 886 688 or at Prue@gracepapers.com.au.
About Grace Papers
Grace Papers was founded to drive gender inclusion in Australian workplaces. Its SAAS parental leave platform and gender equity consulting practice deliver targeted workplace inclusion solutions. Co-founders Ben & Prue Gilbert, winners of the 2014 Human Rights Business Award, have a clear vision for gender equity. They imagine:
A world where women can realise their full professional potential and care for their families without it coming at a cost;
A world where men can be vulnerable, care freely and embrace workplace flexibility; and ultimately,
A world where women and men are equally responsible for the most important decisions – at work and at home.
