LGBTIQ+ Working at Deakin
Deakin University is proud to be an inclusive workplace. We embrace diversity and celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, queer or questioning (LGBTIQ+) staff and students because of the diversity they bring.
Policies
Deakin University policies are inclusive of LGBTIQ+ staff and students and their families (where families are included within policies/benefits).
- Under the Diversity and Inclusion Policy sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, intersex status and relationship status are protected attributes.
- The Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Victimisation and Vilification (staff) Complaints procedure also protects these attributes as well as ‘expunged homosexual conviction’.
- The Gender Affirmation Procedure sets out how the University supports students and staff who are affirming, seeking to affirm, or have affirmed their gender.
- Deakin’s Domestic and Family Violence Support Policy is also inclusive of all genders and of people in same-sex relationships.
Staff benefits
All staff commencing at Deakin are made aware of the benefits that apply to them as part of the induction process. The leave benefits include parental leave and paid partner leave.
Deakin’s Enterprise Agreement 2017 defines family as being inclusive of same or different sexes or gender identities and therefore benefits flow on to those staff members who have a same sex partner/family.
Gender Affirmation leave
Deakin is the only University in Australia to provide a Gender Affirmation Leave category and recognises the need for additional leave for those undergoing or wishing to undergo a gender affirmation.
This entitlement provides up to 10 days leave to be used at the discretion of the staff member who is transitioning. Existing staff can refer to the Staff Gender Affirmation guide.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
At Deakin, we are committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all staff. In recognising the importance of providing a mentally healthy workplace, the University offers Employee Wellbeing Support (EWS) - a free confidential, personal coaching and counselling service that provides support for a variety of short-term, personal or work-related topics including:
- Support for mental health
- Relationships or family matters
- Coping with change
- Interpersonal conflict and tension
- Strategies to create better work-life balance
- Grief and bereavement
- Personal and emotional stress
- Guidance on parenting issues
- Changes in your work environment
- Advice on how to improve your fitness and nutrition
Specialist support is also available for people who identify as LGBTIQ+. Existing staff can find out more about the EWS here.
Travel
Deakin has a duty of care for the health, safety and wellbeing of anybody on approved Deakin travel. We recommend women and LGBTIQ+ travellers familiarise themselves with their destination(s) so that you’re aware of any behaviour that might put you at risk, offend or break the law. Please check the below sites for advice and information.
International SOS - under Security Advice
DFAT Smartraveller - LGBTIQ+ and Women
International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association website.
Flexible Work Arrangements
Deakin Flexible work arrangements are available for staff who are a parent or have responsibility for the care of a child.
In the Flexible Work Arrangement Procedure, the definition of parent is explicit for same-sex relationships mentioning lesbian co-mothers(s) and gay co-father(s).