Our CulturePart 1

1.1 Principles

All members of the University community, including staff, University officers, students and visitors, are expected to be guided by and act in accordance with the following principles:

• integrity
• ethical standards
• honesty
• fairness
• inclusion
• impartiality
• accountability
• respect, for others and for the reputation and goodwill of the University
• compliance with the law and the legislation that applies to University premises, resources, facilities, activities and people
• appropriate use of University resources, information, equipment and facilities.

1.2 Responsible working

1.2.1 Work performance and engagement

All staff are expected to:

• carry out the responsibilities required of their position of employment professionally, faithfully, diligently, impartially and to the best of their ability
• make responsible, accountable decisions within their areas of responsibility and their level of authority, with integrity
• be responsive
• treat others with respect and courtesy
• respect our diversity
• be inclusive
• maintain a cooperative and collaborative approach to working relationships
• work with their colleagues respectfully and openly, to promote teamwork
• comply with University legislation and this and other University policies, procedures and guidelines
• act in the best interests of the University
• contribute to the achievements and success of the University
• use University resources, including communication and technology resources, in a manner that is respectful of others
• act in a manner that supports the promotion of a healthy and safe workplace.

Unsatisfactory work performance or conduct by staff can affect not only immediate work colleagues but also the general work environment and operations of the University.

Examples of unsatisfactory work performance or conduct include:

• misbehaviour or misconduct that impedes a staff member or colleague’s work or capacity to perform a role, or which may be detrimental to others such as students or visitors
• the failure to comply with a reasonable and lawful instruction from a person in line control of the employee
• negligence in the performance of the duties of the position held
• action which is prejudicial to health or safety
• breach of University legislation, policies or published procedures

Table of roles and responsibilities (VC delegation)

* (Staff holding, acting in or performing the responsible position or office)

1.2.2. Equal opportunity, diversity and merit

The University celebrates and respects the strength that difference creates. We respect and celebrate the diversity of our people and recognise that success comes from incorporating a wide variety of approaches and perspectives. 

The University endeavours to maintain an environment:

• where productive learning and research can take place
• in which staff and students can work effectively and fully participate in all aspects of University life
• in which everyone can achieve his or her full potential by identifying and eliminating the barriers that may be encountered by bias or discriminatory behaviours.

Employment with the University is offered and provided based on merit.  All employees and applicants for employment will be assessed and treated in accordance with their skills, qualifications and experience.

The University commits to eliminate from its structures and practices any source of direct or indirect discrimination on the basis of gender, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, race (including cultural, linguistic, nationality or ethnic origin), age, sexual orientation, disability, religious beliefs or political conviction.  If lawful circumstances arise that may appear to conflict with this commitment, the University will rely on any necessary special measures or exemptions required at law.

Table of roles and responsibilities (VC delegation)

* (Staff holding, acting in or performing the responsible position or office)

1.2.3. Reconciliation in Action

The University is committed to reconciliation and will provide an environment for work and study that is culturally safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The University encourages staff to engage with Reconciliation and Indigenous events such as National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.

1.2.4. Compliance

The University Council has affirmed its commitment to ensuring the University’s compliance processes meet the requirements of the current Australian Standards.

Staff, University officers and visitors must ensure that they comply with the law and the spirit of any legislation that applies to their role and activities at the University.

This requires University officers and visitors to have a clear understanding of relevant legislation and how it affects the conduct of their work, activities and behaviour.

Some laws will affect all University members such as those concerning occupational health and safety, whereas others will be particular to certain roles or positions of employment. 

Staff members who are unsure of their duties and responsibilities at work should speak to their manager to seek guidance or contact Human Resources.

Table of roles and responsibilities (VC delegation)

* (Staff holding, acting in or performing the responsible position or office)

1.3 Risk management

The University’s Council sets risk management as an essential element of the University’s corporate governance framework and requires the University to apply a Risk Management Policy and Framework based on the principles of the Risk Management International Standard (ISO 31000:2009) in order to identify, evaluate and manage its risks.

Risk management is to be integrated into staff decision making, with risk assessments to be proportionate to the severity of potential consequences.

All projects, major initiatives and policy development activities will be planned using a suitable risk assessment to ensure appropriate focus on major sources of uncertainty.

A suitable risk assessment will be conducted as part of the development of all business and strategic plans.
 

Table of roles and responsibilities (VC delegation)

* (Staff holding, acting in or performing the responsible position or office)

Table of roles and responsibilities (VC delegation)

* (Staff holding, acting in or performing the responsible position or office)

1.5 National security

The University is committed to safeguarding against foreign interference and maintaining the security of Australia’s university sector without undermining the invaluable asset of its openness, which optimises benefits to our community. To this end, the University commits to the following principles:

• Research, collaboration and education activities must be mindful of the national interest
• Security is a collective responsibility with individual accountability
• Security should be proportionate to organisational risk
• The safety of our university community is paramount
• Security must safeguard academic freedom, values and research collaboration
• Compliance with national security laws, regulations and guidelines that impact the University.

Related information

• Risk Management Resources (staff login required)