Murdoch University has been recognised with their first SAGE Cygnet Award for the significant progress made by the University to improve inclusion and wellbeing for LGBTIQA+ staff.

Cygnet Awards recognise an institution’s progress and impact in improving equity, diversity and inclusion. Each Cygnet Award represents a step towards Sliver accreditation within the internationally recognised Athena Swan framework.

Taking inclusion seriously

Murdoch identified LGBTQIA+ inclusion and belonging as one of their targets for improving equity, diversity and inclusion in their 2020 Athena Swan Bronze Award accreditation application. Since then, they have implemented a raft of changes.

The University improved staff connection and understanding, removed physical and process barriers, and increased visibility of support for the LGBTIQA+ community. This work included updating their Ally training to be more inclusive and accessible and increased visibility of LGBTIQA+ support on campus through events and media.

One participant described the training as “thorough, providing deep insights into the challenges faced by marginalised groups. I now feel better equipped to support and advocate for my peers, thanks to the knowledge and strategies I’ve gained.”

The University has also introduced and re-labelled toilet signs to be gender inclusive, improved gender identity options in its human resources systems, and ensured policies are inclusive of LGBTIQA+ staff.

A great model for how to evaluate progress

SAGE CEO Dr Janin Bredehoeft congratulated the University on their strong application for the Award.

“Murdoch’s work to improve LGBTQIA+ inclusion is a wonderful model of progress toward greater equity, diversity and inclusion on campus.  I congratulate the team on their thorough, consultative, and data-driven interventions and their willingness to acknowledge challenges alongside their successes.”

“The impact this work has had on improving employee satisfaction is a wonderful reflection of that honest commitment to positive change.

Measurable gains

Their efforts have been paying off, with significant impacts for staff.

LGBTIQA+ staff at Murdoch report feeling significantly more supported by their colleagues and leaders, and there has been a notable increase in job satisfaction among LGBTIQA+ staff compared to their non-LGBTIQA+ counterparts.

Staff particularly praised the university’s improvements in inclusivity and visibility, with feedback highlighting improvements in LGBTIQA+ awareness and support. 

The university has now achieved Bronze Accreditation in the Australian Workplace Equality Index, with a score of 89% (up from 22% in 2022).

Staff have been clear that the next steps or Murdoch involve tackling the bullying and harrassment that LGBTQIA+ staff continue to experience, and ensuring safe pathways to reporting. They also want to these changes in awareness stick in the long-term, alongside deepening systemic and institutional approaches to change.

Pride in progress

Pro Vice Chancellor Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Dr. Rebecca Bennett said the entire Murdoch community should be proud to have played a part.

“Achieving our goals requires deep self-reflection by everyone and an openness to let go of preconceptions, unpack stereotypes, and address relative privilege and cultural biases,” Dr Bennett said.

“This isn’t always easy or comfortable, but it drives the compassion, collaboration and expansive thinking needed for us to create the fair, inclusive world we all want to see.

“Together, we are making Murdoch University a place where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential, and this award is recognition of that.”

Not stopping here

“These awards are evidence of our commitment and hard work to create an inclusive and equitable environment for all staff and students,” said Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks. “As the University continues to implement its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion sub-strategy, we are well-positioned to build on this success.”

“It’s definitely got better over time,” agreed one staff member, in feedback on the SAGE Cygnet project. “There is much more awareness and visibility than ever before.”

“Murdoch does Queer inclusivity better than any other place I’ve ever worked.”