Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI)

In 2025, UOW was awarded bronze for the sixth year in a row. This recognition reflects our growing efforts to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all. We are proud of this achievement and we also recognise it as just one step toward the inclusive future we’re committed to building.

In recent years UOW has made meaningful progress, including:

• Growing our active LGBTQIA+ Staff and Allies Network, UOW Pride Network
• Introducing inclusive language guides and resources for staff and students
• Updating key policies to reflect gender diversity and sexual orientation inclusion
• Providing LGBTQIA+ awareness and allyship training to teams across the university
• Development of resources to support our Gender Identity and Affirmation Guidelines
  

2021 - 2022: Bronze

• Binary language removed from UOW policy & processes
• EDI Website including Ally Network page
• Rainbow Stairs
• Onboarding Welcome Video created

2020 - 2021: Bronze

• LGBTIQ Strategy and Workplan(internal document)
• Gender Identity and Affirmation Guideline
• First two All Gender toilets converted(plans for 12 more)
• AD-EDI positions created

2019 - 2020: Bronze

• New HCM system – ability to change titles and gender
• Induction reviewed – LGBTIQ content included
• Chalk rainbow initiative
• EDI statement added to recruitment ads

In addition to the initiatives listed, we have also undertaken the following actions:

• Updated the Parental Leave policy to explicitly include surrogacy leave.
• Enhanced Domestic and Family Violence resources to include specific information and support pathways for LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Amended the Code of Conduct to incorporate a more inclusive statement regarding dress codes and uniforms.
• Developed supporting resources to accompany the Gender Identity and Affirmation Guidelines.

We recognise there is still room to strengthen our LGBTQ+ initiatives. The table below outlines our planned actions for 2025–2026 to support continued progress.

UOW planned actions

AWEI Silver Sections & Planned Actions 2025-26

Policies, Places & Practices

• Build relevant training into onboarding requirements.
• Audit bathroom facilities across UOW and ensure all signage is updated.

LGBTQ+ Bullying, Harassment & Support

• Review reporting processes seeking data collection on EDI-related bias, discrimination, bullying or harassment, and a process for sensitively managing EDI-related disclosures in complaints.

Inclusion of Trans and Gender Diverse Employees

• Resources for hiring managers to support transgender and gender diverse people.
• Project on the recruitment barriers for transgender and gender diverse people.

Strategic Focus & Accountability

• Provide support to LGBTIQ+ charities/community groups., including but not limited to, pro-bono work, fundraising, giving programs, volunteering, sponsorships, and venue support. 

LGBTQ+ Employee Network

• Participate in external LGBTIQ+ community events with organisational branding to demonstrate visible allyship.

Visibility of LGBTQ+ Inclusion

• Providing options for employees to visually show that they are an ally and displaying visible support

Training, Awareness & Professional Development

• Deliver dedicated training to all UOW employees & deliver to roles needing specialised training.
• Promote LGBTIQ+ Days of Significance

Executive Leadership & Engagement

• Review leadership training to incorporate an LGBTIQ+ component.
• Leadership formally recognises individual employee/s for contributions to LGBTIQ+ inclusion at UOW.

Data Collection & Reporting

• Engage in analysis to determine areas of disadvantage for LGBTIQ+ and gender diverse staff.
• Identify barriers and address these through targeted activities and communications.

Community Engagement

• Actively include the University’s LGBTIQ+ inclusion work in external-facing UOW social media.
• Provide volunteer or pro-bono support to LGBTIQ+ charities/community groups (e.g. TAFFI)

Inclusion is ongoing work and we’re committed to listening to our LGBTQIA+ community and learning from feedback provided to us by our partner Pride in Diversity.

We invite all staff to join us on this journey as we work to become one of Australia’s leading universities in LGBTQIA+ inclusion.