Griffith University has been recognised as the 2020 Diversity Employer of the Year (Enterprise) at the third annual Women in Digital Awards.
Chief Digital Officer at Griffith, Mandy Ross said the University’s diverse workforce, especially in digital-focused departments, was something to be proud of.
“Our ability to provide an inclusive environment for our staff is made possible with inclusive leadership, equitable access to professional development, opportunities to provide feedback, targeted diversity programs and an overall commitment to improving the pipeline for women and other underrepresented groups,” she said.
“61% of Griffith staff today are women, including 55% of the Executive Group, led by Vice Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evans, 75% of senior Corporate Service Officers, 49% of senior professional staff and 45% of senior academic staff.”
“In recent years we have also increased the proportions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff at Griffith.
“We have a range of committees and targeted programs which support diversity and inclusion, including theWomen in Leadership program,Leneen Forde Leaders program,Gender Equality Research Networkand our Griffith Ally Networkto support LGBTIQ+ staff and students.
“Griffith’s capability framework provides all staff with easily accessible career development opportunities so staff can further their career.”
Women in Digital judges praised the South East Queensland university’s diversity initiatives as being ‘contemporary, mature and enduring.”
They also said Griffith’s “proven results in improving diversity across the entire institution and appointment of diverse leaders” were worthy of celebrating.
HR Lead for equity, diversity and inclusion at Griffith, Marnie King said recognition of Griffith’s achievements was wonderful, particularly as 2020 has reinforced the need to remain vigilant on the University’s diversity and inclusion efforts.
“We have had to be mindful that working arrangements during the pandemic may have had an impact on vulnerable groups, in particular parents and carers, and staff who may experience domestic violence,” she said.
“The University became a signatory to statement that committed to preserving Gender Equity as a Higher Education Priority during and after COVID-19 along with several other universities nationally.”
Griffith has also received a number of other awards in recognition of diversity initiatives.
The University won an Athena SWAN Bronze Award in December 2018 in recognition of a comprehensive four-year action plan to improve gender diversity and inclusion.
Key focus areas included shortlisting targets for women in the Sciences Group, Health Group and leadership in Corporate Services, a review of recruitment processes to ensure inclusivity (particularly in STEMM and other diverse groups) and rolling out the MATE Bystander program, which looks to empower bystanders to recognise and intervene in situations of violence, bullying and other harmful behaviours, in Corporate Services.
In June 2020, Griffith received Bronze Tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index at the 2020 Australian LGBTQ Inclusion Awards, in acknowledgement of the University’s achievements in LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion.