South32 Worsley Alumina

The Women in Leadership (WIL) program at South32 Worsley Alumina is building capability, shifting culture and creating long-term pathways for women in operational leadership. Developed with Korn Ferry, the program was designed to address systemic barriers limiting female progression and strengthen South32 Worsley Alumina’s  internal leadership pipeline. 

Through a six-month, evidence-based framework, participants receive individual coaching, leadership identity development and exposure to senior executives, including presentations to South32’s Board. The program is embedded within South32 Worsley Alumina talent, succession and recruitment systems, ensuring inclusion and accountability are central to leadership decisions. 

The results have been significant. Since 2024, nearly 50 per cent of participants have progressed into leadership or stretch roles, with overall female leadership appointments rising from 14 to 29 per cent—a 107 per cent increase in just one year. Engagement and retention have also soared, with 100 per cent of participants choosing to stay at Worsley and reporting greater confidence and career clarity. 

The WIL program has received recognition from Korn Ferry, SWWIMM and NAWO for its industry-leading impact. Its success is now guiding replication across other South32 operations and inspiring similar initiatives throughout the resources sector, positioning South32 Worsley Alumina as a benchmark for sustainable inclusion and leadership transformation.