Inclusion in practice

Deakin aspires to be Australia's premier university in achieving equal representation, recognition, reward and value of staff – irrespective of gender. Gender equity is embedded in our core values and creates a balanced and diverse workforce with better decision-making, innovation and job satisfaction. We stand to challenge inequalities around gender equity to ensure it becomes both a business and cultural norm.

The Gender Equity Action Plan (2022–2025), represents Deakin’s commitment to improving employment outcomes for women and gender diverse people, addressing gender and other inequities that impact staff development, career progression and job satisfaction. Through this plan we aim to:

• reduce the organisational pay gap to 9%
• increase the diversity and representation of women and gender diverse people in senior roles
• promote respectful behaviours and raise awareness and understanding of the link between gender inequality and violence against women
• strengthen a culture of belonging, safety, respect and inclusion.

Download the Gender Equity Action Plan 2022–2025 (PDF, 1.3MB)

Download the Gender Equity Update 2023 (PDF, 1.5MB)

Further data and insights can be found here.

Training opportunities

The Equity and Inclusion division offers training to students and staff in the form of interactive workshops, role-based learning, guest lectures and online modules. Topics include bystander intervention, how to support people who have experienced family violence or sexual harm, LGBTQIA+ inclusion and allyship, building cultural intelligence, developing disability confidence, gender equity, unlearning conscious bias, and inclusive language. Role-based training includes safe and respectful supervision, harassment and discrimination officer training.

Deakin is a thriving, progressive, respectful and inclusive university. Together, we recognise and value the rich diversity of our students and staff, including members of our community who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer or questioning their gender or sexuality.

We acknowledge and celebrate LGBTIQ+ days of significance to embrace our LGBTIQ+ community and the diversity they bring Deakin. We hold many events throughout the year to increase visibility, engagement and bring people together.

Download the LGBTIQ+ Inclusion and Engagement Plan 2024–2026

Our disability support services are designed to promote inclusion and access; to assist students and staff to fully thrive when studying or working at Deakin.

Our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2021–2025 guides our approach to disability across the University, and aims to better the student and staff experience through education and employability, digital delivery and innovation and partnerships.

If you experience disability or have primary carer responsibilities that may affect your studies, our Disability Resource Centre is available to adjust, recommend and provide services that will help you with your needs.

Download the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2021–2025 (PDF, 1.2MB)