The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) has been honoured as a leader in LGBTQIA+ inclusion, achieving the highest status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index.
The uni was the only higher education institution in NSW awarded ‘platinum’ status at the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) ceremony on 31 May, after obtaining the ‘gold’ tier for the last four consecutive submission years. The result emphasises UNSW’s ongoing work towards embracing diversity and building a culture of inclusion.
The AWEI is a rigorous, evidence-based benchmarking instrument that assesses LGBTQIA+ inclusion initiatives, policies and practices in Australian workplaces.
Dr Caitlyn McLoughlin, Manager, Diversity & Inclusion in the Division of Societal Impact, Equity & Engagement, accepted the award for UNSW.
“It was an honour to accept the award on behalf of UNSW and our LGBTQIA+ community. It’s exciting to see our work being recognised by AWEI, and we look forward to driving progress across all inclusion initiatives at UNSW,” she says.
Key contributors to success
Some of the key contributors to UNSW’s success this year include:
- refreshed LGBTQIA+ allyship training, open to both students and staff, to include self-serve modules, and featuring a lived experience panel at all face-to-face training sessions, which are open to both students and staff
- the launch of the University’s first Gender Equity Strategy, which contains key LGBTQIA+ initiatives, including funding and support of the Community of Practice for Inclusive Research with queer & trans people and people with variations of sex characteristics (CoPQTI)
- supporting non-binary and trans staff – including an increase in gender affirmation leave allowance under the new Enterprise Agreement, and a refresh of related resources including gender affirmation guidelines and checklists.
The Platinum Tier award recognises the unwavering passion, advocacy, and leadership of students, staff and UNSW’s Ally Network & Steering Committee who seek to drive significant cultural and systematic change across the University.
“We are so proud of all the work that has gone into UNSW being recognised as a Platinum Tier Employer,” says Professor Bruce Watson, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Inclusion.
“This award reflects our continued commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and we look forward to continuing to be leaders in diversity and inclusion and will work hard to maintain our Platinum status in years to come.”
