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Inclusive Practices: Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Plan 2005 - 2010

Approved by Council

Meeting 04/06 17th July 2006

Updated February 2007

Monash seeks to improve the human condition by advancing knowledge and fostering creativity. It does so through research and education and a commitment to social justice, human rights and a sustainable environment.

Linkage with Institutional Objectives

The Monash Excellence and Diversity Strategic Framework outlines the University’s commitment to being an exemplary employer where all staff are valued as equal partners in achieving the vision of the University. This commitment is realised by providing employment opportunities for staff in a fair and equitable way; by developing and implementing programs to ensure that no staff member is unfairly disadvantaged as a result of her or his gender, race, religion or disability; and by further developing an environment which welcomes and supports individuals without discrimination or intolerance. The Strategic Framework acknowledges that maximising performance requires community diversity to be reflected in the staff of Monash, and that this diversity is valued for the contribution it makes to the University. An environment that fosters and supports diversity and fairness is one that attracts the highest quality staff and assists them in achieving their full potential.

This Plan also supports the success of the University Council KPI of women in senior roles. Monash aims to maintain or improve on its ranking as third in the Group of Eight for this measure by 2008.

Inclusive Practices: Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Plan 2005 -2010

The Inclusive Practices: Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Plan 2005 -2010 has been developed to give practical expression to the University’s commitment to fairness, diversity and excellence in employment and supports the University’s desire to build on its reputation as an employer of choice for the highest quality female staff. The Plan will assist Monash to attract, retain and develop outstanding academic and general staff wishing to perform at the highest level by providing guidelines and strategies for enhancing recruitment processes, employment conditions and developmental opportunities which address barriers to women’s inclusion and full participation. The Plan links together the importance of providing equal opportunity for women with the successful achievement of the vision and aims of Monash.

Sharing of Responsibility

The Equal Opportunity Committee (Standing Committee of Council) has sponsored three equity plans including the Inclusive Practices EO for Women in the Workplace Plan and invites all members of the University community to share the responsibility for ensuring women’s equal access to employment opportunities and freedom from discrimination. The success of this Plan depends on the University-wide adoption of the objectives and the implementation of strategies at faculty/divisional and departmental/unit level. The Inclusive Practices Workplace Place Equity Committee of the Equal Opportunity Committee has particular responsibility for guiding and advising on the implementation of the Plan throughout the university.