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Frequently Asked Questions FAQs |
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These FAQs are also available in a Word document
suitable for printing. Click here to download FAQs in Word format.
For more information contact the Equity Section.
FAQ 1: Why does QUT have a Staff Equity Data Collection? QUT wants to find out just how diverse its workforce is and also whether any support or career development programs are needed for particular groups of staff. By comparing our data to that of Queensland generally, we can find out if any equity groups are under-represented. By analysing various employment parameters (such as resignation rates or promotion statistics) by equity group, we can also work out if there are any issues that may need addressing. The overall objectives are for QUT's workforce to match the diversity represented in the community and for QUT to be sensitive and responsive to the needs of all its staff. This may mean that QUT needs to provide additional programs or assistance to some staff. QUT's commitment to achieving staff diversity and meeting the needs of all staff is outlined in the University's strategic plan. It is essential that we get as high a response rate as possible so that we can accurately measure the diversity of QUT's workforce. Many other universities and workplaces have implemented similar staff data collections and use the results as a planning tool. QUT's Data Collection has been developed using the experience of these other universities, and national best practices in statistical collection. QUT also reports on staff diversity annually to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (formerly Department of Education, Science and Training).
FAQ 2: What are you going to do with the results? The University will use the results to design effective programs and practices so that all staff have equal opportunity in the workplace. The details will depend on the results themselves. As an example, QUT already analyses various employment parameters by gender. One issue which was identified through this analysis is an under-representation of women at higher classification levels. As a result, programs are developed to encourage women to apply for senior positions and also to give women opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to be able to apply for the positions. The data is then monitored on an ongoing basis to evaluate whether the programs are working or not. With the results from the Equity Data Collection, QUT could develop employment strategies and career development opportunities for staff in equity groups. QUT will also be able to monitor the effectiveness of strategies by tracking changes in the data over time.
FAQ 3: I don't fit into any of the equity target groups on the questionnaire - should I return my questionnaire? Yes - we need a response from all staff. We can then work out what proportion equity groups represent of total staff. The more completed questionnaires we receive the more accurate the statistical information will be. Your response is therefore just as important whether you are a member of an equity group or not.
FAQ 4: What is my employee number and where do I find it? Every staff member is given a unique numerical identifier when they commence at QUT. This identifier is called your employee number and is used to distinguish you from all other staff (names are not always unique identifiers). You can find your employee number on your payslip, staff card or in your Personal Profile on QUT Virtual. Contact the Human Resources Department if you still cannot locate your employee number.
FAQ 5: Why do you need my employee number? This will allow us to enter your information in the right place on the human resources database. Remember that: • This particular area of the database is "shielded" from all users except the Equity Coordinator or nominee.
FAQ 6: How long will the questionnaire take to complete? These eight questions take about one to two minutes to complete.
FAQ 7: I have a vision impairment and cannot see the questionnaire clearly - how do I go about completing the questionnaire? The questionnaire is available from the web and downloaded in PDF format. Alternative formats are also available, including large print and disk.
FAQ 8: I don't feel confident with English – how do I go about completing the questionnaire? Contact the Equity Section for assistance on 3138 2699 or email equityenq@qut.edu.au .
FAQ 9: Can I be identified after completing my questionnaire? If you complete your questionnaire on-line through your Personal Profile in QUT Virtual, no one will see your answers or completed questionnaire. On-line questionnaires are automatically entered into the human resources database. Written questionnaires returned to the Equity Section are entered into the human resources database periodically in batches. Non-QUT staff who are unfamiliar with individual staff at QUT are used to do this to protect your confidentiality. Your questionnaire is destroyed after the data is entered.
FAQ 10: Who sees the information? If you provide your data electronically through your Personal Details section in QUT Virtual, no one will see your individual record. Written questionnaires returned to the Equity Section are only seen by the person entering the data. The Equity Coordinator or nominee are the only staff who can run reports on the data. Please remember that any statistical information published will not identify you as an individual and all staff associated with the Staff Equity Data Collection are bound by the University's policy on information access and privacy (MOPP F/9).
FAQ 11: Can my supervisor access the information I provide? No - your supervisor or manager does not have access to the information you provide.
FAQ 12: When will statistical information be available to QUT staff? Staff will be kept up-to-date about the response rates and findings. A formal University report will be available as soon as sufficient data is collected.
FAQ 13: What do you mean by primary disability? You may have more than one disability. We're asking you to identify the disability that has the most impact on your life or work.
FAQ 14: Question 4 talks about indicating adjustments or changes needed because of a disability. What do you mean by "how others behave towards you at work"? What we're trying to ascertain is behaviour toward staff with a disability from co-workers, and if this impacts on the ability of staff with a disability to perform their duties. This information assists the Equity Section to deliver appropriate training to support all staff in managing the needs of staff and students with a disability.
FAQ 15: Why do you only ask for the main language spoken at home and not for second or third languages? In line with how the Australian Bureau of Statistics collects data, the main language you speak at home is used as one of the indicators of cultural background. Data about the main language spoken at your home is combined with parental migration to Australia and self migration to Australia and country of birth (questions 7 and 8 respectively). The combined results should then give us an idea of the cultural diversity of staff at QUT.
FAQ 16: How should I answer if I speak more than one language at home? Take some time to think about how often you use these languages, and which one is the more important to your home environment and cultural background. What we're looking for is the language mostly spoken in the home environment as an indicator of your cultural heritage.
FAQ 17: I don't want to provide my equity details. How do I delete this option in my Personal Details? The option "update your equity details" appears in your Personal Details section in QUT Virtual. This is a permanent link which can not be deleted. Providing your equity data is voluntary and if you decide that you do not want to provide this information, simply ignore the prompt in your Personal Details. However, you may wish to provide this information at a later date and therefore this option will remain available.
FAQ 18: My circumstances have changed. I have acquired a disability/I now need adjustments to be made to my work or work area. How do I update my equity details? You can update your details yourself through your Personal Details in QUT Virtual at anytime. This information will be updated during the census period.
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