Diversity and Inclusion Framework Summary 2024-2026
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Message from our Diversity Champion
It is my pleasure to present and endorse the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) Diversity and Inclusion Framework for 2024 – 2026. The ARC’s Diversity and Inclusion Framework forms the overarching framework of support for all the ARC’s diversity initiatives.
If the ARC is to be successful in delivering on our purpose of helping to shape the Australian research system for the benefit of the nation, we need a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the Australian community.
The ARC has made great strides to build an inclusive culture since our Diversity Working Group (DWG) was established in 2015. I am proud of the work of the DWG in promoting diversity within the ARC and thank all members past and present for their commitment to creating the sort of culture at the ARC where everyone can flourish and thrive.
The DWG focuses on supporting 6 focus groups: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, People with Disability, Multicultural people, People who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans/ Transgender, Intersex, Queer and Asexual (LGBTIQA+), Gender, and Mature Age People. The focus areas offer focus for the work of the DWG and acknowledge they may not recognise the full range of diversity in our workforce or the community. We commit to supporting all diverse groups in our workforce. This includes other groups not listed in our focus areas such as people with carer responsibilities, and young people (aged less than 25 years).
The culmination of these activities will provide a workplace that is supportive and engaging for everyone with benefits to our network and community.
Julija Deleva
Diversity Champion
Indigenous Champion
Introduction
Purpose
This Framework outlines the ARC’s commitment to creating and maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture through equity and equality. Through the work enabled by this Framework we will do better in removing barriers and embracing the diversity of our people to create a truly inclusive workplace.
About diversity and inclusion at the ARC
The ARC’s ambition is to be a leader in diversity and inclusion amongst small agencies in the Australian Public Service (APS). At the ARC we want to model best practice for the public sector and offer an inclusive work environment that attracts a diverse range of people, who bring their best selves to work each day to share perspectives and deliver results for our research partners and the Australian community.
Why diversity matters
Community expectations of the public service have heightened and there is an imperative to embed diversity and inclusion so that we can deliver on our outcomes for the Australian community while also representing the diverse nature of the Australian community.
The shape of our diverse workforce
| Demographic measure | ARC June 2023 | APS June2023 | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify as woman or female | 65% | 59% | 51% |
| Identify as man or male | 30% | 37% | 49% |
| Identifyas Aboriginalor Torres Strait Islander | 3% | 4% | 3.2% |
| Identify as having ongoing disability | 15% | 11% | 18% |
| Identifiy as having carerresponsibilities | 42% | 43% | 10.8% |
| Identify as LGBTIQA+ | 13% | 9% | 3-4% |
| Identify as neurodivergent | 13% | 8% | 15-20% |
ARC Diversity and Inclusion Principles
Based on the four aspects identified by the Diversity Council Australia essential to an inclusive culture, the ARC guiding principles will be used to assess the successful implementation of diversity and inclusion strategies within our workplace.
Our diversity and inclusion goals
This Framework contains 4 over-arching goals for the ARC from 2024 to 2026 to drive diversity and inclusion in our organisation. These goals are high level and provide direction to the agency – other more detailed work will take place within the Diversity Working Group.
Goal 1: The ARC will empower our people to drive diversity and inclusion through continued support of our Diversity Working Group
Goal 2: The ARC will take a ‘continuous learning’ approach to diversity and inclusion by maintaining memberships with government networks and representative groups
Goal 3: The ARC will enthusiastically implement APS-wide diversity and inclusion strategies and frameworks, tailoring them as appropriate to our agency’s needs
Goal 4: We will monitor and encourage diversity and inclusion amongst our partners in the research community, where appropriate
Supporting a diverse research workforce
In addition to our support for diversity and inclusion in our own workforce, the ARC also values equality, diversity, and inclusion in the research workforce that we partner with in the delivery of our grants. The ARC’s Research Workforce Statement outlines our commitment to a strong and sustainable research workforce.
Gender equality
In support of gender equality in the research workforce the ARC has published the ARC Gender Equality Statement, which can be found on our website.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researchers and Research Statement
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researchers and Research Statement outlines the support the ARC provides for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers, research students and research.
Research Opportunity and Performance Evidence (ROPE) Statement
ARC’s Research Opportunity and Performance Evidence (ROPE) Statement supports equitable access to research funding.
Contacts
People & Capability Section
ARC-HRteam@arc.gov.au