UNSW achieves platinum employer status for LGBTQIA+ inclusion

The University has been honoured as a leader in LGBTQIA+ inclusion, achieving the highest status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index.

UNSW Sydney was the only higher education institution in NSW awarded Platinum status at the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) ceremony on 31 May, after obtaining the Gold tier for the last four consecutive submission years. The result emphasises the University’s ongoing work towards embracing diversity and building a culture of inclusion.

The AWEI is a rigorous, evidence-based benchmarking instrument that assesses LGBTQIA+ inclusion initiatives, policies and practices in  Australian workplaces. 

Dr Caitlyn McLoughlin, Manager, Diversity & Inclusion in the Division of Societal Impact, Equity & Engagement, accepted the award for UNSW. 

“It was an honour to accept the award on behalf of UNSW and our LGBTQIA+ community. It’s exciting to see our work being recognised by AWEI, and we look forward to driving progress across all inclusion initiatives at UNSW,” she said.

Professor Bruce Watson, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Inclusion said: “We are so proud of all the work that has gone into UNSW being recognised as a Platinum Tier Employer. This award reflects our continued commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and we look forward to continuing to be leaders in diversity and inclusion, and will work hard to maintain our Platinum status in years to come.”  

Key contributors to success

Some of the key contributors to UNSW’s success this year include:

• refreshed LGBTQIA+ Allyship training, open to both students and staff, to include self-serve modules, and featuring a lived experience panel at all face-to-face training sessions, which are open to both students and staff
• the launch of the University’s first Gender Equity Strategy, which contains key LGBTQIA+ initiatives, including funding and support of the Community of Practice for Inclusive Research with Queer & Trans people and people with variations of sex characteristics (CoPQTI)  
• supporting non-binary and trans staff – including an increase in gender affirmation leave allowance under the new Enterprise Agreement, and a refresh of related resources including gender affirmation guidelines and checklists.

The Platinum award recognises the unwavering passion, advocacy, and leadership of students, staff and UNSW’s Ally Network & Steering Committee who seek to drive significant cultural and systematic change across the University.

Read about other award winners.