Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) is proud to recognise Griffith University with its fifth SAGE Cygnet Award, acknowledging sustained and institution-wide action to improve inclusion, accessibility and support for staff with disabilities.
More than a single initiative, this award recognises a long-term commitment to embedding inclusion across the employee lifecycle — from recruitment and onboarding, to workplace adjustments, career progression and leadership culture. It positions Griffith as a sector leader through its aim to be shaped by accessibility, equity and lived experience.
Shifting systems, not individuals
Through its latest SAGE Cygnet action, Griffith turned its focus to the systemic barriers shaping the experiences of staff with disabilities. Engagement and wellbeing gaps, inconsistent access to workplace adjustments, limited workforce data, and physical and digital accessibility challenges all emerged as critical areas for action.
Guided by the social model of disability, Griffith reframed disability inclusion as a shared organisational responsibility, shifting the focus from individual limitations to structural, cultural and environmental barriers that restrict full participation.
Dr Janin Bredehoeft, SAGE CEO recognises Griffith University’s progress: “Disability inclusion isn’t about accommodation at the margins. It’s about whether people can fully contribute, be recognised for their expertise, and build sustainable careers. Griffith’s work shows what becomes possible when institutions design systems that work for everyone.”
Qualitative and quantitative insights highlight real progress in the experiences of staff with disabilities at Griffith University, alongside clear pathways for continued improvement.
One academic staff member said during a consultation, “I wonder what more we can achieve because we have a lot of great staff working in the EDI space… so while there are still challenges, I’m hopeful.”
Tangible outcomes and measurable change
Since introducing more inclusive disability identifiers in its employee engagement survey, the proportion of staff identifying as having a disability or disability-related condition has increased from 5% in 2021 to 15% in 2025, suggesting greater trust, visibility and psychological safety.
Engagement data shows a narrowing gap in manager-related measures, with staff with disabilities reporting increased confidence in their managers’ behaviours, listening skills and alignment with University values.
The introduction of a dedicated Staff Disability Accessibility and Inclusion Procedure has led to a steady rise in formal workplace adjustments, enabling staff to better perform and remain in their roles.
There were no significant differences in the interview rates for candidates with and without in 2022 and 2023, with candidates with disability recording a higher interview rate in 2024 (+1.4%). Similarly, hiring outcomes were at least as strong for candidates with disability, with higher appointment rates recorded in two of the three years measured.
Investing in inclusive environments and leadership capability
Griffith has paired cultural change with tangible investment, including a $20 million capital improvement project to enhance physical accessibility across campuses, alongside systematic improvements to digital accessibility and inclusive design.
Other key initiatives include the establishment of a Staff with Disability Network, the Griffith University Disability Scholars Research Scholarship, the embedding of Achievement Relative to Opportunity (ARO) principles, and expanded training and resources to build disability confidence across the workforce.
A milestone and momentum for what’s next
This fifth Cygnet Award marks a significant achievement as Griffith University is now eligible to apply for an Athena Swan Silver Award.
Griffith’s Provost and Executive Sponsor of the Athena Swan program, Professor Liz Burd, said, “Griffith is delighted to have achieved this significant Cygnet milestone – recognising our ongoing commitment to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion. As we progress toward our Silver Award application, we remain focused on strengthening disability inclusion and ensuring meaningful, lasting change across our university community.”
Griffith continues to approach disability inclusion as an ongoing journey. Insights from staff consultations highlight the importance of consistent leadership capability, accessible systems, and closing the gap between policy and everyday practice.
About the SAGE Cygnet Award
SAGE Cygnet Awards celebrate organisations that have demonstrated progress in making their workplaces more equitable by removing or reducing a barrier to inclusion. They must be able to show that these changes have had a real impact on staff and/or students.
This builds on Griffith University’s previous Cygnet Awards on LGBTQIA+ inclusion, gender-equitable recruitment, Indigenous employment and flexibility arrangements.
You can read all about Griffith University’s actions, outcomes, and impact in their full Cygnet Award Application, or read an overview version in this Progress and Impact Summary.
About SAGE
Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) is Australasia’s leading advocate and accrediting body for equity, diversity, and inclusion in the education and research sector. It is the guide our region’s brightest minds turn to when they want a vibrant workplace where everyone can thrive.
Using an evidence-based and impact-focused framework, SAGE helps institutions build systemic, structural, and cultural change. Their world-respected Athena Swan accreditation program drives and measures institutions’ progress against international benchmarks.
