Driving positive change in equity, diversity and inclusion

Jill Duncan's career is a testament to her unwavering dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion, her educational leadership, and her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all.

Jill Duncan is a distinguished academic and leader, currently serving as the University Lead for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Her career spans executive-level public service, educational leadership in the not-for-profit sector, and academia. Known for her exceptional communication skills, Jill has effectively engaged with diverse stakeholders, including academics, politicians, public servants, and students of all ages. Her comprehensive understanding of governance processes, coupled with her fairness, inclusivity, and logical approach, has marked her as a significant contributor to the fields she has worked in.

Jill's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education from the University of Cincinnati, USA. She furthered her education with a Master of Educational Management and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Western Australia. These qualifications laid the foundation for her multifaceted career, characterised by leadership roles across various prestigious institutions.

In her current role, Jill leads the University's strategic efforts in EDI. She works closely with the Executive and Senior Leadership Teams, professional and academic staff, and students to develop and implement the University's EDI strategy. Jill monitors the University's performance against internal and external benchmarks, ensuring that key performance indicators are met and driving awareness, commitment, and accountability across the University. Her leadership extends to chairing the University EDI Committee and collaborating with colleagues from Colleges and Divisions to achieve EDI-related objectives.

Jill's career includes significant roles, such as her tenure as Director of the Professional Practice and Leadership Division for the Department of Education Victoria. She collaborated with various education service providers and professional workforces to implement critical policies and strategies. One of her notable achievements was leading a departmental review of the Program for Students with Disabilities, influencing more than 24,000 students annually.

In partnership with industry, Jill previously served as the Head of Graduate Studies to deliver the University of Newcastle’s Master of Special Education (Deaf/Hard of Hearing Specialisation) and (Blind/Vision Impaired Specialisation), Graduate Certificates (Deaf/Hard of Hearing) and (Blind/Vision Impaired). In this role, she managed external academic and commercial program contracts and engaged with education departments across multiple states and New Zealand. Earlier in her career, as Executive Director of a prominent centre for deaf children, she pioneered Australia's first videoconferencing program, significantly enhancing support for rural, regional, and remote deaf students, their families, and the mainstream teachers who support them.

Jill's contributions extend to research and academia, where she has secured funding from international and Australian philanthropic organisations and government bodies. She has supervised numerous higher-degree research students, fostering the next generation of scholars in her field. Her excellence has been recognised with various awards and international accolades.

In addition to her professional and academic roles, Jill holds several governance appointments. She is currently the Deputy Chair of the NSW Disability Advisory Council and a member of the NSW Women’s Advisory Council. She serves as Editor-in-Chief of the journal Deafness & Education International. Her influence extends to peer reviewing for the World Health Organisation and as a non-executive director for Aussie Deaf Kids.

Jill's career radiates dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion. She has continually championed initiatives that foster a more inclusive environment, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or abilities. Her efforts have painted a colourful tapestry of progress and advocacy, reflecting her unwavering commitment to creating a more just and equitable society for all.