UWA has received top honours at the 2020 Australian LGBTQ Inclusion Awards. The University was awarded Platinum status in recognition of its long-term Gold Employer status at this year’s online event. UWA shares this top-tier position with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and PwC Australia.
Some of the University’s key achievements include establishing Australia’s first university network for bisexual staff, students, and alumni; implementing the first study of the LGBTIQA+ student experience at an Australian university; and developing a transgender policy to protect the rights of staff and students.
The 2020 Australian LGBTQ Inclusion Awards is Australia’s leading annual celebration of LGBTQ workplace inclusion.The awards are based on the results of the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) – which is now in its 10th year – and the second Health + Wellbeing Equality Index (HWEI). The AWEI and HWEI are rigorous and evidence-based bench-marking tools that annually assess workplaces in the progress and impact of LGBTQ inclusion initiatives. The awards are hosted by ACON’s Pride Inclusion Programs, the national not-for-profit LGBTQ inclusion support program for employers, sporting organisations and service providers.
UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander AO said it was an honour to be identified as an employer of choice for diversity and inclusion.
“To be recognised as a Platinum Employer is an encouraging testament to the ongoing work of the UWA community in developing an inclusive campus where everyone can grow and succeed, “ Professor den Hollander said.
“At UWA, we promote an environment that welcomes, accepts and embraces the diversity of our staff and students.”