Deliveroo said on Wednesday that in partnership with five other technology platforms, The Charter of Principles for Good Platform Work was developed to improve the environment for the on-demand workforce in Australia and around the world.

The charter outlines eight primary areas to address, including:

• diversity and inclusion; safety and wellbeing;
• flexibility and fair conditions;
• reasonable pay and fees;
• social protection; learning and development; voice and participation;
• and data management

The Charter specifically recognises the importance of providing workers with appropriate processes, channels and forums to express their views on platform guidelines and facilitate discussion - and encourages a commitment to learning and development opportunities, providing access to education and upskilling programmes.

"We know that riders want to balance flexibility and security. Riders who choose to work with us tell us that they want the freedom to choose when, where and whether to work, balanced with security.” Will Shu, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Deliveroo, said.

“Deliveroo was the first platform to give riders free insurance to protect them in case something goes wrong while on the road and we have long argued that changes are needed to enable platforms such as ours to go further to give more benefits to self-employed riders. This Charter is an important piece of work to move that debate forward."

Ed McManus, CEO for Deliveroo Australia, said: “Today we partner with over 8,000 riders across Australia. Our riders are at the heart of everything we do. As the platform economy grows in popularity with Australians, we are committed to using our leading position to drive conversation and collaboration to raise industry standards. This Charter is a great example of how we can come together to address key issues that directly impact on-demand workers, and shape the future of work.”