Why Equity and Diversity?

The Equity and Diversity Coordinator

The role of the Equity and Diversity coordinator, otherwise known as the contact officer, varies greatly. There is no set role for a coordinator, and their responsibilities depend on the individual needs of the agency or business unit, according to its nature, structure and size. Some agencies have a network of contact officers. Contact officers should be experienced and have the support of agency heads and the executive. It is also important to provide training for contact officers and some agencies use the Equity and Diversity Network to provide a forum for information sharing across the service.

Roles and responsibilities

The role of the contact officer or coordinator may include the following activites:

• actively promote the benefits of diversity, both for the agency and staff, including articulating how diversity can enhance the business performance of the agency;
• gain an understanding of the workplace diversity needs of agency staff;
• help all staff to be aware of workplace diversity issues;
• advocate the inclusion of equity and diversity issues on strategic planning agendas;
• promote the integration of workplace diversity issues in human resource policies and practices;
• develop, implement and monitor the workplace diversity program;
• monitor the agency's compliance with relevant laws and regulations; and
• keep senior executives informed about workplace diversity issues and the effectiveness of the workplace diversity program.

It should be noted that these functions are not the sole responsibility of the equity and diversity coordinator. For example, it is critical that senior managmenet articulate how diversity can enhance the business performance of the agency and actively promote the benefits of diversity. Senior management also has an important role to play in advocating the inclusion of equity and diversity issues on strategic planning agendas.

Skills, knowledge and personal qualities

An equity and diversity coordinator needs to be familiar with the business and operational environment of the agency. Coordinators need to understand the legal framework surrounding workplace diversity in the ACT Public Service. They should also:

• Have up-to-date knowledge of diversity issues and research;
• Be aware of best practice and any recent developments which may affect agency's policies, procedures and practices;
• Have well-developed facilitation and liaison skills, and strong analytical, management and communications skills; and
• Have a personal commitment to the ACT PS Code of Conduct and equity and diversity principles.

Support of the coordinator

Equity and diversity coordinators need support from senior management and the agency head. Equity and Diversity is a mainstream responsibility, which should be part of the agency's management systems and culture.
Coordinators should be encouraged to take advantage of training opportunities in order to keep up with current issues and policies.

The ACT PS Equity and Diversity Network meets quarterly and can help members keep up-to-date on equity and diversity issues and share their experiences.

This toolkit and its associated Info Sharing Portal are designed to assist coordinators and contact officers with promoting equity and diversity principles and practices in the workplace, and also to draw their attention to new developments and resources. ACT PS Equity and Diversity coordinators and contact officers are encouraged to provide information to the web coordinator at psm@act.gov.au which can be posted on the portal and shared with others with similar responsibilities.

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