Bronze Accreditation for the University at LGBTQ Awards

The University of Melbourne has been awarded Bronze Tier accreditation at the 2021 Australian LGBTQ Inclusion Awards.

This follows the University’s inaugural submission to the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), a national benchmarking scheme to measure LGBTIQA+ inclusion in Australian workplaces. Bronze Tier accreditation indicates the University’s submission fell within the top 50% of participating organisations in 2021.

A retrospective document, the University’s AWEI submission reflects LGBTIQA+ inclusion initiatives and achievements for the year 2020.

“Achievement of a Bronze Tier accreditation is testament to significant LGBTIQA+ inclusion initiatives undertaken in 2020,” said Vice-President Strategy and Culture Julie Wells.

“I want to acknowledge the significant contribution of the Pride in Action Network to the successful outcome. The Network initiated the University’s participation in the benchmarking scheme and have led many of the initiatives that contributed to our score.”

The submission also represents the first step in a refreshed University-wide approach to LGBTIQA+ inclusion to compliment and be managed as part of the University’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy developed in 2020. The Strategy outlines an overarching framework and approach where everyone is valued and respected, has equal access to opportunities and is encouraged to fulfil their talents and potential.

Executive sponsor of the Pride in Action Network, Professor Joy Damousi said: “The Network is pleased to see the University participate in the AWEI benchmarking process, and we look forward to working collaboratively with the University to further progress equity and inclusion for LGBTIQA+ students and staff.”

Feedback provided by the AWEI governing body, Pride in Diversity, will be used to inform the development of a new LGBTIQA+ Action Plan that will systematically address practice gaps highlighted by the Index. University-wide policies, processes and systems will be important areas of focus.

The development and implementation of this Action Plan will be supported by a Reference Group which will include LGBTIQA+ community leaders from the University. The University will also work with the AWEI governing body, Pride in Diversity, to ensure our practices align with recommendations regarding leading practice.

The University has committed to undertaking AWEI benchmarking on an annual basis and will begin work on the 2022 submission later this year.