Equal Opportunity Contact Officer:

EOCO’s Name

School

What does the ideal workplace look like?

Why EO matters

> People want to come to work or study> Mental and physical health benefits> Better sense of quality and equality> Translates to better outcomes in work and study> Improved communication and relationships> Enhances an atmosphere of trust and support> People feel valued > Increased retention (both staff and students)

Equal Opportunity

• Basic human right• Ensures we all receive fair and equitable treatment

when

accessing, and

participating inevery area of public life (employment, education,

accommodation, provision of goods & services)

Racial Discrimination Act 1975Sex Discrimination Act 1984Human Rights and Equal OpportunityCommission Act 1986Disability Discrimination Act 1992Equal Opportunity for Women in the

Workplace Act (EOWW) 1999Age Discrimination Act 2004Fair Work Act 2009

Equal Opportunity Act 1984 Racial Vilification Act 1996

State Legislation

Commonwealth Legislation

Flinders’ Equal Opportunity Policy

EO at Flinders

Grounds for discrimination

• sex / gender• sexual orientation• pregnancy• breastfeeding• marital or

domestic partnership status

• caring responsibilities

• social origin

• identity of spouse or domestic partner• disability• race or ethnic origin• age• political opinion• religious conviction• religious appearance or dress

Harassment

• Any form of behaviour that takes place in circumstances in which a reasonable person, having regard to all circumstances, should have anticipated that the person, or group of people would be offended, humiliated or intimidated, and

• Is related to one or more of the status, beliefs or characteristics (grounds)

Equal Opportunity Policy 1991

Sexual Harassment

• Any unwanted, unwelcome or uninvited behaviour of a sexual nature.

• Defined by law from the perspective of the person feeling harassed and it occurs if the behaviour makes a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated and it is reasonable in the circumstances to feel that waye.g. unwelcome touching, hugging, kissing; staring or leering; suggestive comments or jokes; can be via texts, emails etc

Sexual Harassment Policy 1984

Bullying

Persistent or ongoing behaviours directed towards an individual or group that a reasonable person, having regard to the circumstances, would find offensive, intimidating, humiliating or threatening and that potentially or actually affects health and wellbeing.

No Bullying at Flinders policy 2007

Who is responsible for EO?

• Everyone - to respect others

• Supervisors - to take all reasonable steps to prevent discrimination, harassment & bullying & promote a safe environment

–Exercise leadership–Take appropriate action

EO Contact Officer Role

>Support – discuss, refer, accompany contacts >Model respectful, inclusive behaviour>Educate their work area>Listen . . . and provide options for resolution>Confidentiality ensured

Resolution Options

>Do nothing else

>Self action

>Third party assistance

>Mediation

>Formal complaint

>(Outside agencies)

Policies

Equal Opportunity Policy: http://www.flinders.edu.au/ppmanual/EqualOpportunity/equalop.html

Student Grievance Procedures: http://www.flinders.edu.au/ppmanual/EqualOpportunity/ggp.html

Staff Grievance Procedures:http://www.flinders.edu.au/ppmanual/staff/grievance.html

No Bullying Policy:http://www.flinders.edu.au/ppmanual/EqualOpportunity/workplacebully.html

In Conclusion:

• We all have biases and stereotypical views of the world

• We must examine our attitudes and ensure we show no bias in our actions or comments

• We have an obligation to ensure every person feels wanted and comfortable in their work place and work environs