University launches discussion on family support issues for staff

The University of Queensland will launch a discussion paper next month identifying key issues for staff in managing their work and family responsibilities at the University.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay will launch the Family Support for Work and Study report at the Kathleen Room, University Staff and Graduates Club on Monday, April 14 at 10.15am.

Guest speaker will be feminist writer and commentator Professor Dale Spender, an adjunct professor with the University's Social Work and Social Policy Department, Library and Vice-Chancellor's Office.

The report was commissioned by the University's Senate Standing Committee on the Status of Women and compiled by the University's Office of Gender Equity.

It follows a random survey of 700 staff in 1995, with almost 300 responses, and a series of five focus group discussions with staff at the University's St Lucia and Gatton College campuses.

Author and acting director of the Office of Gender Equity Linda Shallcross said the report's recommendations covered policy development, flexible work practices, facilities, staff awareness, study assistance and resources.

Professor Hay said he was pleased to endorse the report for discussion.

'The report coincides with significant change occurring across the higher education sector that will lead to improved productivity through innovative and flexible work practices,' he said.

'The recommendations of this report provide leadership to the University and more broadly to the higher education sector in assisting staff to balance their work, study and family commitments.

'It is important that the recommendations of this report are discussed, particularly during negotiations in regard to future enterprise agreements.'

Professor Hay said the University already had a number of initiatives in place to assist staff with family responsibilities including leave entitlements, flexible work options and child care services. Study assistance and scholarships were also available to help staff attain academic qualifications.

'However, it is clear from the report that information about these initiatives needs to be actively promoted across the University,' he said.

'The report outlines a number of new options and I have established a Deputy Vice-Chancellor's working party to consider each of the report's recommendations.'

Ms Shallcross said two policies had been drafted to promote understanding of work and family-related issues such as children in the workplace, and to ensure that staff were aware of their leave entitlements and flexible work options.

The report recommends the establishment of a central maternity leave fund so that departments can apply for funds to replace women taking maternity leave.

It also recommends that a needs analysis be conducted to identify staff child care requirements including any specific needs of sole parents, indigenous Australians, people with disabilities and people from non-English speaking backgrounds.

The report identifies University examples of good practice in family support for staff. The University's Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology receives special mention as an environment where the work culture is supportive of parents with young children.

'We have an office which has been put aside for pregnant and new mothers and we are aware that we can bring our babies in to attend seminars and to work at our desks,' the focus group participant said.

The report also has guidelines for supervisors in promoting a work environment that supports workers with family responsibilities.

Ms Shallcross said the University's achievements and its support for the report's recommendations would make it a strong contender to receive a Corporate Work and Family award. The University has applied for an award on the strength of its current practices and proposed new initiatives.

For further information, contact Ms Shallcross, telephone 07 3365 3052.