Gender diverse recruitment

Recruitment is a significant issue faced by trans/gender diverse people with many of the recruitment processes carrying significant stumbling blocks before even getting to the interview stage.

Deakin is a LGBTIQ+ inclusive employer. It is important that our recruiters, both internal and external are trained to respond to gender diverse applicants.

Tips for inclusive recruitment practices

• Communicate Deakin’s gender transition procedures and gender transition paid leave in all advertised positions.
• Use inclusive language when writing the position description. Victorian Government’s Inclusive Language Guide  
• Ensure access to all gender bathrooms for applicants attending an interview.
• Communicate zero tolerance of transphobic/homophobic behaviour.
• Explicitly welcome applications from trans and gender diverse applicants.
• Provide training to recruitment teams and hiring managers to support their awareness of inclusive language and etiquette.
• Recognise that trans and gender diverse people can’t always access current identity documents especially those who have socially transitioned but haven’t transitioned medically.
• If background checks are not required for the position, remove the ‘previous names’ field on an application or change to a voluntary field on employment applications.
• State that interview attire appropriate to the applicant’s gender identity is accepted and encouraged.
• The recording of personal identity information (i.e. birth certificates/passports) remains completely separate from the employee information forms. This ensures sensitive information is not considered as general employee information.
• Ensure transgender employees’ identities remain private and confidential to all other managers and employees unless explicit consent has been given for this to be shared with any intended parties.
• Wear a Deakin rainbow lanyard to show support.

Gender diverse recruitment resources

• Pride in Diversity publication, Let's talk Gender - a closer look at gender diversity within the workplace. Appendix B makes a special reference to recruitment of gender diverse employees.
• Deakin Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Victimisation and Vilification (Staff) Complaints procedure
• Deakin Gender Transition Procedure
• Resource: Shining the Light: 10 Keys To Becoming A Trans Positive Organisation. An excellent publication from Galop, the LGBT+ anti-violence charity.
• Australian Human Rights Commission: information about unlawful discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status, including a link to a detailed information sheet.
• The Gender Centre in NSW has a wide range of papers, kit and fact sheets available.
• Australian Government Guidelines on the Recognition of Sex and Gender This document also contains templates for use by registered medical practitioners or registered psychologists certifying the sex and/or gender of a person who is intersex, transgender or gender diverse.
• Guideline: Transgender people at work. Complying with the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 in employment

Training for recruiters

Diversity and Inclusion provides training in LGBTIQ+ awareness and tailored training for recruiters. If you would like to participate in the training contact  LGBTIQ+ Community Officer lian.low@deakin.edu.au