Respect, equity and diversity
Our commitment
Charles Sturt is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce, where our staff feel valued and empowered when they come to work.
We are committed to:
- building a workplace culture that provides dignity and respect to all
- encouraging the sharing of ideas and perspectives, and valuing differences
- taking steps to break down barriers that impede diversity and inclusion
- educating and equipping our leaders with the understanding and skills to be inclusive and foster belonging for all
- building and attracting a workforce that reflects the communities we serve – including our students, partners and wider community.
Resources and tools
A diverse workforce and inclusive culture enable us to thrive as an organisation and deliver excellent teaching and research to our communities.
The benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace include:
- supporting staff's personal health, well-being, career and financial goals
- better engagement, collaboration, innovation, decision making and problem-solving
- improving staff wellbeing, psychological and cultural safety
- enhanced individual, team and organisational performance
- recognition as an employer of choice, to attract and retain talent
- better outcomes in education, research, and community engagement
- increased resilience to respond and overcome challenges and disruptions.
Respectful workplaces
Under Australian laws, organisations, and their employees, have responsibility to take proactive and meaningful action to eliminate, as far as possible, and prevent sexual harassment and gender-based harassment at work.
The resources and information on this page have been developed by Respect@Work, an initiative of the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Respect@Work Council.
This page includes links to eLearning modules and factsheets covering:
- definitions and behaviours that are considered sexual harassment
- the impacts of workplace sexual harassment
- the laws that prohibit workplace sexual harassment and who is protected
- the responsibilities of workers and organisations to prevent workplace sexual harassment
- what you can do if you are sexually harassed at work, where to go for support and advice
- data on workplace sexual harassment in Australia
Our key diversity groups and Employee Networks
While we prioritise inclusive practices to ensure all staff feel safe, supported and able to thrive at work, we provide additional focus for under-represented groups and those who experience systemic disadvantage, intersectional barriers, bias, or discrimination.
Our Employee Networks aim to unite people who share an identity or lived experience, and those who support them, by creating a forum to raise issues of importance, and to provide feedback and guide decisions around University priorities and initiatives that impact them.
Accessibility and neurodiversity
We are committed to providing a safe and accessible working environment for neurodiverse staff and staff with disability to reduce barriers and ensure they can participate fully and effectively at work.
Carers
We are committed to providing a flexible, supportive and accessible work environment for staff with family or caring responsibilities.
Diverse faiths and cultures
We are committed to providing a welcoming, supportive and inclusive work environment for staff from diverse cultural backgrounds and faiths.
First Nations
We're committed to our relationship with First Nations Australian communities and aim to provide education, employment and research opportunities that support the aspirations of First Nations people.
Gender
Gender equity is fundamental at Charles Sturt. We aim to improve the working lives of our employees and achieve equality through policy, collaboration and gender equity focused initiatives.
LGBTIQA+
We are committed to building a culture that respects and embraces diversity, including differences around sex and/or gender identity and sexuality.
Support and contact
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion team develops, manages and implements staff-focused equity, diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives.
Charles Sturt also offers support and assistance on the following topics:
- Domestic and family violence - we offer support to employees experiencing domestic and family violence as well as employees supporting a member of their immediate family experiencing domestic and family violence.
- Anti-discrimination - we have an obligation to prevent unlawful discrimination and harassment, and to foster an environment that is safe and inclusive for all.
- Bullying and harassment - Charles Sturt is committed to the prevention and elimination of bullying and harassment in University-related activities, both on and off campus.
- Child protection - as part of Charles Sturt’s Institutional response to the Royal Commission into Child Sexual Assault, you are encouraged to make a report if you suspect a child is at risk.