University Diversity Officer

In 2025, the University of Newcastle maintained a robust governance and leadership framework to advance equity, diversity, inclusion, and human rights across the institution. A dedicated Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee and EDI Unit were responsible for guiding, implementing and monitoring institutional initiatives, with representation and support across the University’s colleges.

Dedicated EDI leadership, committee and unit

The University’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee serves as a subcommittee of the University Executive Committee and reports to Academic Senate and Council. Its remit is to guide EDI priorities, advise on institutional policy and support cultural change for staff and students. The Committee includes professional and academic staff and student representatives, providing a forum for diverse University perspectives.

In 2025, Nathan Towney, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Engagement and Equity), chaired the EDI Committee. The 2025 committee membership record identifies Rachel Fowell as Senior Manager of the central EDI Unit and identifies other EDI coordinators and representatives. The Unit supports the development and implementation of EDI policy, strategy and programmes across the institution.

The University’s EDI ecosystem also includes research, policy and Athena SWAN subcommittees, while College Assistant Deans for EDI support inclusion priorities within teaching, research and college operations. These structures connect University-wide advice with implementation in local settings.

Formal responsibility for EDI policy, training and monitoring

The University Council-approved Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy, effective from 10 December 2024, was in place throughout 2025. It defines the central EDI Unit as the body responsible for developing and monitoring EDI strategy, policy and programmes, and the EDI Committee as the institutional body providing oversight and guidance.

The policy commits the University to ongoing EDI and cultural-capability training for students, staff, executives and Council members (clause 11), co-design with equity cohorts (clause 17), and data collection and evaluation to inform improvements (clause 18). Clause 19 explicitly tasks the EDI Unit and Committee with monitoring adherence to the policy through reviews, data, feedback and stakeholder engagement. These responsibilities establish an institutional framework for advising on and implementing equity, inclusion and human-rights commitments.

Progress under the 2023–2025 EDI Strategy

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2023–2025 and its action plans, developed in consultation with students, staff and University leaders, set five priorities: policy and procedure improvement; safety for everyone; inclusive leadership for senior staff and executives; inclusive behaviours among academic and professional staff; and accessibility.

The University’s 2025 Annual Report confirms that progress against all five EDI action plans continued to be implemented and reported during 2025. This provides a dated account of the University’s ongoing governance and evaluation activities, rather than a statement of future intent.

Inclusive programmes and institution-wide participation

Equity and inclusion are also supported through The Wollotuka Institute, the LGBTIQ+ ALLY Network and disability-access services. Across colleges, the HunterWiSE programme demonstrates practical inclusion work: in 2025 its schools outreach involved 170 Year 8 girls from 12 Hunter-region high schools, with University student mentors helping participants explore STEM careers. HunterWiSE is an example of the University’s broader inclusion activity, rather than a programme solely delivered by the central EDI Unit.

The University received SAGE Athena SWAN Silver accreditation in September 2024, recognising progress on gender equity and inclusion after its earlier Bronze award. The accreditation provides historical context for continuing gender-equity efforts in 2025.

Through its dedicated EDI leadership, accountable governance structures and coordinated programmes, the University of Newcastle embeds inclusion into institutional decision-making and day-to-day practice. Its approach connects policy development with practical support for students, staff and the wider University community.