Ensuring policies are more transparent and equitable

Charles Sturt University has improved its promotions process by enhancing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) considerations. During this process we elevated the EEO aspect, explicitly defining the equity groups and making the personal circumstances that could be considered more transparent. This resulted in greater engagement with the EEO process, and was a deliberate strategy to ensure the EEO was appropriately considered by reviewers when assessing an application for promotion.

After engaging with First Nations staff as part of the consultation process, we were cognisant of the need to make the academic process not just as equitable as possible, but practical and culturally safe. As a result of this consultation, a First Nations person is offered the opportunity to seek a cultural adjustment to the academic promotion committee membership.

All reviewers, including external ones, must complete unconscious bias training and an advisory member from the Division of People and Culture Equity and Diversity Team ensures equity aspects are considered.