Equity Diversity & Inclusion

UNSW understands that everyone is different with individual perspectives and life experiences.

Here at the Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) our goal is to create a community where peoples whole identity is embraced and accepted, regardless of their gender, disability, cultural background, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Our passionate team strives to create a fairer society as we believe untapped excellence exists in all facets of society, and no person or group should face barriers to any opportunity.

To do this we work with the whole UNSW community to embed the principles and practices of equity, diversity and inclusion across our campuses and evolve a culture that values and benefits from equality of opportunity; diversity of identity, and a fundamental respect for each other and our differences.

We strive for equal opportunities in staff recruitment, development, retention and promotion, and provide specific support for women, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people with disability and people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.

As a result, UNSW is proudly recognised through diversity accreditations including:

Gold employer in LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) as recognition of its commitment to the inclusion of gender, sex and sexuality diverse (LGBTQIA+) students and staff
SAGE Athena SWAN Bronze Institutional Award for our work and ongoing commitment to advancing gender equity and diversity in STEMM disciplines in higher education and research
Breastfeeding friendly workplace - accredited by the Australian Breastfeeding Association

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UNSW Diversity Champions

Our champions are passionate individuals who drive change across the university in their respective diversity areas of gender, flexible work and leave options, cultural diversity, LGBTIQ+ and disability. They assist in developing and implementing strategies that support a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for all. You can get to know them by reading more about their journey here.

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UNSW's Diversity Champions gathered in a group

Close-up of two Black and disabled women smiling and holding hands - Disabled And Here

Disability Inclusion

We celebrate and recognise our diverse and inclusive workforce. We are committed to supporting our staff experiencing disability related to physical or mental health. We strive to provide an accessible working environment and implement reasonable adjustments such as more flexible working practices, to enable our staff to contribute fully and actively as part of the UNSW community.

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Cultural Diversity

At UNSW we embrace the diversity and cultural richness of our communities. We celebrate our differences and provide support via culturally diverse resources, teaching practices, prayer, meditation and reflection spaces, and celebratory events.

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Female indigenous student from Nura Gili

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Community

We have a dedicated Division and Strategy led by our Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous, Professor Megan Davis. The UNSW Indigenous Strategy is a university-wide initiative that underpins our commitment to truth and reconciliation. This strategy is made up of pillars that include respecting the cultural footprint of UNSW and increasing the physical presence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture on campus. We support cultural practices and events, giving back to local and broader Indigenous community in Australia and Growing our Own.

The Division also supports the work of Nura Gili Centre for Indigenous Programs, Indigenous Law Centre, research opportunities and events. We work with faculties and divisions to establish Indigenous-identified positions for roles across the University and have an established employment program to support the recruitment of indigenous staff.

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LGBTQIA+ Inclusion

We understand LGBTQIA+ people continue to face challenges in society that their non-LGBTQIA+ equivalents may not experience, and we are committed to ensuring LGBTQIA+ students and staff can thrive in our community without experiencing alienation or ill-treatment by others.

We include everyone in our supportive leave options, workplace policies, events, networks and training and together with the LGBTQIA+ community and Allies, we will continue our journey to ensure each individual feels the freedom to be who they are.

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Three Black and disabled folx smiling and displaying mini flags - Disabled And Here

Gender Equity

We are committed to improving the representation of women in senior roles and have identified the need to address drivers including career progression and promotion; learning and development; and fostering a leadership-driven inclusive culture.

Gender targets, special recruitment measures, parenting support, women in research networks, events and resources are just some of the ways in which we hope to address the imbalance that exists in our employee population.

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SAGE Athena Swan Award

We are a proud member of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Athena SWAN pilot program in Australia. Our aim at UNSW is for women in STEMM to thrive, with a key initiative being the proactive recruitment of females where there is a significant underrepresentation.

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Group of colleagues chatting whilst working outside

Flexible Work Culture

We understand that flexibility at work means we can attract and retain talented staff who are also carers, parents, people with disability, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds. UNSW helps you achieve your work-life integration by providing access to high-quality services, facilities and flexible work and leave options.

Flexible work and leave options are vital for UNSW to promote a flexible work culture across professional and academic staff and embrace the productivity and health benefits for everyone across the whole university.

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Employee Assistance Program

We are committed to making sure all our staff feel supported and offer free access to Benestar, our Employee Assistance Program, for our staff and their immediate family.

This program provides up to six, confidential, face-to-face, online or telephone coaching or counselling sessions. Depending on your needs, Benestar will assist with proactive strategies, options and approaches to effectively support you and your team through workplace issues and challenges. You can also access support for personal issues related to health, family, finances and wellbeing.

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Female UNSW staff member writing notes on her notebook whilst on the phone