Organisational Development and Diversity
About us
The Organisational Development and Diversity team has a vision to enable a positive, inclusive and thriving culture contributing to Flinders' growth and success.
We will do this by partnering with key stakeholders to drive and implement university strategies and programs which facilitate improvements and build opportunities for growth, recognition and inclusivity.
| Sallyann Shearer | Associate Director, Organisational Development and Diversity |
| Katie Hazell | Senior Diversity and Inclusion Consultant |
| Pia Grimm | Senior Learning and Development Consultant |
| Elizabeth Routley | Senior Organisational Development Consultant |
| Alicia Whitehouse | P&C Officer |
Useful links and tools
Learning and Development
The Organisational Development and Diversity Team manages a number of online and face to face development programs and initiatives to build strategic organisational capability and enable individual development and growth.
To find out more about the learning and development opportunities available to professional staff at Flinders, check out the courses available here.
Flinders University additionally offers a range of funding initiatives to support professional staff learning.
If you are seeking support in identifying your training needs or would like to know more about development options available, please get in touch at professional.development@flinders.edu.au.
Useful links and tools
Provides funding towards costs such as registration fees, resources, travel and accommodation.
Provides funding to participate in conferences or training opportunities external to the University.
Provides assistance to engage in study to further your career.
Provides assistance to travel interstate or overseas to study matters related to your professional duties.
Provides assistance for professional staff to observe lectures for topics conducted at Flinders University.
Performance Review and Development
The Performance Review and Development (PRD) process focusses on encouraging regular and meaningful conversations between staff and their leaders.
The review of staff performance assists staff to establish expectations of conduct and performance, enable opportunities for feedback, identify and discuss training and development needs and set meaningful goals that are in line with the University’s values and direction. All staff have the option of completing a review by uploading your own document or following the existing guided process in Workday.
See the useful links and tools available for support and further information.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Flinders University is committed to championing diversity and creating a vibrant, inclusive and values-based community that makes Flinders the destination of choice for students and staff.
The Organisational Development and Diversity team work closely with all levels of our organisation to develop, support and actively implement a comprehensive suite of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) strategies to promote fairness, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for all.
This involves collaboration with various stakeholders to tailor strategies to their specific needs, foster awareness and understanding of EDI principles, and monitor progress and impact.
The links below detail initiatives, strategies and committees currently supported by our team.
Flinders University's Diversity and Inclusion Committee is an advisory committee reporting to the Vice-Chancellor. The committee is responsible for the development and strategic oversight of the University’s diversity and inclusion agenda.
Membership includes both student and staff from across the University. Terms of reference can be viewed in the link below.
Meeting dates for 2025 are as follows:
- 12 February 2025
- 14 May 2025
- 13 August 2025
- 12 November 2025.
The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) is an Australian government agency created by the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012, that works to promote and improve gender equality in the workplace.
In March 2023, parliament passed the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) Bill 2023. This Bill made amendments to the Act and included reforms to increase organisations workforce data reporting requirements.
Flinders provides annual reports to WGEA, both in accordance with the requirements of the Act and the Bill.
Further information including current and previously published reports can be accessed at the link below.
Flinders is proud to have achieved both Athena Swan Bronze Accreditation and three of the five Cygnet Awards required for Silver Accreditation, reflecting our continued commitment to advancing gender equity, diversity, and inclusion.
While attaining Bronze Accreditation and the Cygnet Awards are key milestones, they represent just a step in our ongoing journey to champion diversity and create equal opportunities for all staff and students.
Flinders new Disability Action Plan (DAP) (Flinders Disability Action Plan 2023-2026) is currently under consultation.
The DAP is consistent with the University’s commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive environment for people with disability studying and working at Flinders.
Several resources and tools to assist both staff and students with disability can be accessed at the link below.
Flinders supports all employees who wish to combine breastfeeding (which means breastfeeding an infant or expressing breastmilk) and paid work.
Flinders has best practice accreditation with the Australian Breastfeeding Association as a breastfeeding friendly workplace.
Information including available facilities, related policies and procedures, and resources can be accessed at the link below.
A network of trained equal opportunity contact officers are located in all areas of the University, and they can provide confidential support and information to staff and students involved in a complaint of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment or bullying.
They are there to:
- Listen
- Support individuals through the resolution process
- Promote behaviours that are respectful and inclusive by being a role model
- Be a source of up-to-date knowledge of the University's Equal Opportunity policies
In 2023, Flinders University will commence participation in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) employee Survey. The annual survey provides a national benchmark on LGBTQ workplace inclusion initiatives and comprises the largest and only national employee survey designed to gauge the overall impact of inclusion initiatives on organisational culture for identifying and non-identifying employees.
The survey is administered by Pride in Diversity, through an online questionnaire. Survey data will enable Flinders to gain insights into the attitudes and experiences of all employees, including the difference between employees with a diverse sexuality and/or gender, and those without.
Menopause at Flinders
At Flinders, we’re building a workplace that supports every stage of life including perimenopause and menopause.
With approximately 65%* of our continuing and fixed term workforce identifying as female^, and around 55% aged between 41 and 60, menopause isn’t just about the personal experience. It’s a workplace reality.
Since 2024, we’ve been actively promoting awareness and understanding of peri/menopause. We have partnered with Menopause Friendly Australia to deliver training sessions that increase awareness, reduce stigma and support an informed workplace.
We are also driving change by working towards official Menopause Friendly Accreditation.
Find out more about the ways we are supporting our staff, the resources available, and the steps we are taking to be a menopause friendly organisation.
*Figures as at February 2025
^Flinders acknowledges that some individuals who experience menopause do not identify as female, and we are committed to inclusion and respect for our staff.
Leadership and Management
At Flinders University, we support the growth of future leaders and leadership practices that encourage positive workplace culture.
2025 Leading Excellence Program: The 2025 Flinders University Leadership Excellence Program provides an opportunity for both academic and professional staff to develop leadership capabilities from three perspectives: Leading self, leading others and leading the organisation, as well as the opportunity to network with colleagues from across the University.
Leadership development: There are a range of programs currently offered at Flinders for leaders who supervise staff. Courses include Supervising at Flinders, Work health and safety for supervisors, Equal Opportunity Online. Browse all development courses here.
Mentoring program: This Program connects professional mentors with mentees to share experience and skill development.
The Leadership Circle Profile: A 360 tool that empowers leaders through insights into leadership strengths and development opportunities. With an accredited practitioner on the OD&D team, contact us to discuss more. If you have any questions about leadership development opportunities for yourself or your team, please contact us to discuss.
Leadership Resources: We’ve gathered a few resources you may enjoy. Have an interesting article or video regarding leadership? Send it to us here.
Useful links and tools
Induction
The Induction Program is presented as a series of topics that are most relevant to you in your first few weeks at work.
Some of the elements are mandatory to complete, whilst others will be a great source of knowledge as new starters continue their journey at Flinders.
Information presented in the induction program is relevant to all new starters regardless of the position or area they have commenced in.
Further targeted information is available as part of the program for staff commencing in a professional or academic role, as well as for those who have commenced in a supervisory role.
Useful links and tools
Staff Awards
Flinders University is committed to creating, fostering and celebrating a culture where people are the heart of our endeavours. Recognising and valuing our people and the work they contribute towards our vision forms the basis on which our mission will be achieved: Changing lives and changing the world.
The staff awards celebrate individuals and teams who encapsulate this vision. Nomination periods open annually with awards presented at a Staff Awards Event in November. The OD&D team manage the Flinders Professional Staff Awards.
Other awards celebrated include, the Flinders Reconciliation Awards, Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Research, Vice-Chancellor’s Innovation in Teaching Awards, Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching, Excellence in Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Supervision and Staff Service Award.
Your Voice Survey
The Your Voice survey provides staff with an opportunity to have their say on job satisfaction, supervision, leadership, teamwork, communication, efficiency and other topics.
Conducted every two years, the survey is independent, confidential, and anonymous. Results of the survey are benchmarked across the sector and with our Your Voice surveys from past years. Previous surveys, and the university wide action plan is available to view from the web-page.
Need help?
Contact the Organisational Development and Diversity team.
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
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CRICOS Provider: 00114A TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12097 TEQSA category: Australian University