Harassment and Discrimination Contact Officers

Who they are

The University has Harassment and Discrimination Contact Officers (HDCOs) who are trained to assist staff and students with complaints or problems relating to equal opportunity, discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying.

They treat information with strict confidentiality and are committed to principles of procedural fairness.

What they do

Harassment and Discrimination Contact Officers:

• help clarify issues, both for complainants and respondents
• propose options for dealing with situations
• suggest appropriate avenues for conflict resolution
• provide information on Deakin University policies and relevant legislation.

They also have a broader role across the University, including:

• raising awareness about acceptable behaviour in the workplace
• providing information to staff and managers on equitable policies and anti-discrimination legislation
• raising issues related to equal opportunity at the University level and reporting on problems. 

Contact Officers do not provide advice or resolve or investigate complaints. They are not to be an advocate for any party.