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Website teaches UNE staff the meaning of equity

November 06, 2006

Professor Alan Pettigrew and Ms Lyn Tucker.The University of New England has launched a new, Web-based equity training program for its staff. The program, called EO Online: Fair Play, aims to raise awareness of equity and diversity issues in higher education and promote an inclusive work environment.

EO Online: Fair Play, which is used in 17 universities throughout Australia, was developed by a consortium of Australian universities specifically for use in the higher education sector.

University EEO Officer Lyn Tucker said the program was “an excellent resource for us all”.

The program contains two modules, one for all staff and one for supervisors. It includes quizzes, real-life examples, scenarios and learning summaries for each section. The module for supervisors also takes the participant through the procedure for handling a grievance.

EO Online: Fair Play will be incorporated into a number of training programs across the university and in some cases will be a prerequisite to further training.

On completion of the training staff members will receive a certificate of attainment.

The university has set targets for its staff to complete the program and hopes to have half trained by the end of 2007 and all trained by the end of 2009.

Ms Tucker said equity training had a range of benefits for the university and its staff.

“In addition to promoting an inclusive environment, equity training assists all staff in understanding their rights and responsibilities in the workplace,” she said. “Managers will find guidance in dealing with difficult situations as well as meeting their equity-related performance objectives. The training will also assist the university in meeting its compliance obligations.”

For more information contact Lyn Tucker on (02) 6773 3242 or Leon Braun (UNE Public Relations) on (02) 6773 3771. A photo is available to accompany this story.

Pictured: Professor Alan Pettigrew and Ms Lyn Tucker.

Posted by Leon Braun at November 6, 2006 10:40 AM