Strategy
UNSW’s Social Impact strategic priority underpins our work.
EDI Strategy 2022-2025
Equity is essential for equality, social justice, and inclusion, and for people to be able to access their human rights. That includes the right to education, to be free from discrimination, abuse and harassment, and to have a safe place in which to work and study. Equity recognises that some people are structurally, personally and socially excluded from educational and career advantages.
The EDI Strategy sets out how UNSW will carry out this important work. It proposes ambitious but concrete goals and sets achievable targets against which progress can be measured and improved. Significantly, the Strategy builds on our University’s work of promoting equity and diversity, and responsible global citizenship over the past five years.
Four main goals
- Influence, guide and author University strategies, policies and procedures to support equity, diversity and inclusion principles and reduce structural barriers for underrepresented students and staff at UNSW.
- Activate the institution’s commitment to and responsibility for students and staff by ensuring that the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion are effectively embedded at every level of the University.
- Collaborate and guide faculties and divisions to drive a culture of integrity, equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives at a local level that are contextually relevant, aligned with the strategic intent, and support the delivery of the shared 2025 Strategy KPIs.
- Partner with students, staff and others to not only encourage a culture of equity diversity and inclusion within UNSW but also in the wider community in professions, workplaces and everyday life.
Delivered through four pillars
- Access, Equity and Inclusion, to build a welcoming, diverse UNSW where everyone can participate in a fair, safe and respectful environment.
- Sustainable Development, to align with, coordinate and promote UNSW’s activities in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- UNSW Institute for Global Development, to partner with students, staff, alumni and the community to align UNSW’s expertise and research with Australia’s aspirations and the SDGs.
- UNSW Disability Innovation Institute, to lead disability-inclusive ways of working and improve engagement practices by connecting researchers and educators with lived experiences of disability.
NEW: UNSW Gender Equity Strategy 2024-2028
UNSW's first Gender Equity Strategy enshrines inclusive practice, enabling staff of all genders to feel valued, respected and able to be their authentic selves.
It reflects our collective vision and, as a blueprint for action across the institution, allows us to cohesively communicate our ambitions and goals.
Access & Equity (Students) Strategy 2020-2025
Access and Equity's (Students) main focus is to increase access for under-represented students to higher education.
This is achieved through the University’s flagship outreach program, Aspire.
UNSW Strategy 2025
Under UNSW’s Strategy 2025 Vision for Social Impact, EDI continues to work to shape and progress a just society by mobilising our community’s expertise to lead debate, sustainably address global challenges, and foster equity, diversity and inclusion.
To be recognised as an international exemplar in equity, diversity and inclusion. Our success should be built on the diversity and cultural richness of our communities, ensuring our students and staff achieve their full potential regardless of their background.
Theme 1: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Objectives
Enhance the equity, diversity and inclusion culture at UNSW.
Ensure that UNSW staff and students play a leading role in debate, policy and practice relating to diversity and inclusion issues, including through partnerships with a wide range of universities, government entities, corporates and NGOs.
Develop student access and support activities that position UNSW as a leader, ensuring we nurture students of high potential regardless of their background.
Ensure equity in staff recruitment, development, retention and promotion, particularly ensuring no disadvantage on the basis of gender, cultural background, disability or Indigenous origin.
Theme 3:
Sustainable Development
Objectives
Partner with disadvantaged and marginalised communities in Australia and internationally, so our research, education and practical initiatives can most effectively address development challenges and inequalities.
Reduce our environmental footprint by using natural resources more efficiently, reducing waste and ensuring investments are consistent with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Increase student access to opportunities that encourage them to become global citizens who value social responsibility and service to society.
