The University of Queensland’s commitment to inclusivity and support for the LGBTIQ+ community has been recognised with a prestigious Pride in Diversity national award.  

UQ has been recognised with a Silver Employer ranking in the 2019 Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), which is the definitive national benchmark for LGBTIAQ+ inclusion in the workplace.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) and UQ Ally Executive Champion Professor Doune Macdonald said the award positioned UQ as one of Australia’s highest performing employers for LGBTIAQ+ inclusion.

“Silver recognition is awarded to organisations that have scored in the top 10 to 20 per cent of employers nationally,” Professor Macdonald said.

“We have been working hard to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for gender, sex and sexually diverse people at UQ.

“Our UQ Workplace Diversity and Inclusion training program has created knowledge, awareness and strong linkages across the University and out into the community.”

Professor Macdonald said UQ had participated in the AWEI since its inception in 2010.

“We’ve run Ally workshops available to all staff, including targeted training to key areas of the University; we’ve provided the UQ Senior Management Group with LGBTIAQ+ inclusion training, and our UQ Ally Executive Champions help to provide strategic direction.

“Along with my colleague Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Dunne, I’m extremely proud to be an Executive Champion.”

UQ has hosted several high profile events to raise awareness of LGBTIAQ+ days of significance, and the visibility and hard work of the UQ Ally Network with leadership from the UQ Ally Action Committee has continued to affirm gender parity in the workplace.

The AWEI requires organisations to complete an audit of all LGBTIAQ+ inclusion work undertaken in the previous year, which is assessed by Pride in Diversity to develop the national index.

UQ’s policies and guidelines including UQ Guide to Gender Affirmation in the Workplace; and UQ Guide to Inclusive Language and community engagement are important documents.

UQ was named in the top 10 employers in Australia in 2011, and received Bronze recognition in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Media: UQ Communications, communications@uq.edu.au, 07 3365 1120.