WADING IN DEEP: UWA's EQUALITY AND INCLUSION STRATEGY, 2015-2020

In 2014, the University of Western Australia (UWA) commenced a comprehensive Functional Review process in order to better align business processes with UWA Vision 2020. The University is already considered a leader nationally... [ view full abstract ]

In 2014, the University of Western Australia (UWA) commenced a comprehensive Functional Review process in order to better align business processes with UWA Vision 2020. The University is already considered a leader nationally and its programs have been emulated across the sector e.g. Ally, Courageous Conversations about Race. The Functional Review, a new and expanded Executive and bold external initiatives (e.g. NHRMC gender criteria, SAGE, OCGE) made it timely for UWA to refresh and renew its efforts in the equality and inclusion space.
In mid-2014, under the sponsorship of the Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, UWA embarked on an active process to engage the University community in better leveraging equality and inclusion (E & I) to achieve international excellence. This resulted in the development of a bold institutional Strategy comprising three elements: a 5 year E & I Plan aligned with global best practice, an E & I Unit to facilitate delivery of the Strategy and a newly constituted E & I Committee.
In a sectoral climate where the E & I function is already under threat, this presentation will scope both the process and the findings of the 9 month conversation at UWA. The workshop will seek to pose key questions, explore critical tensions (e.g. 'mainstreaming' VS 'expert hub'; Executive Sponsor engagement; HR or Elsewhere; "Levels" of reporting away from Executive) and engage practitioners in a discussion about a responsive and robust of E & I agenda in the future for our sector.