Message from our Diversity Champion I am pleased to endorse the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) Diversity and Inclusion Framework for 2024–2026. The ARC’s Diversity and Inclusion Framework provides the overarching structure for our diversity initiatives and reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace. This Framework supports the ARC’s purpose of helping to shape the Australian research system for the benefit of the nation by recognising that a diverse and inclusive workforce strengthens our capability, decision making and impact. If the ARC is to be successful in delivering on its purpose, it is essential that our workforce reflects the rich diversity of the Australian community. Embracing different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives enables us to foster a culture where people feel valued, supported and able to contribute their best work. Since the establishment of the Diversity Working Group (DWG) in 2015, the ARC has made meaningful progress in building a more inclusive culture. I acknowledge and thank the members of the DWG, past and present, for their continued commitment to supporting diversity across the agency and creating a workplace where everyone can flourish and thrive. The DWG focuses on supporting 6 focus groups: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, People with Disability, Multicultural people, People who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans/ Transgender, Intersex, Queer and Asexual (LGBTIQA+), Gender, and Mature Age People. These focus areas guide the Group’s work, while recognising that they may not capture the full breadth of diversity within our workforce or the broader community. The ARC remains committed to supporting all employees, including those with caring responsibilities and younger people. Through the continued delivery of this Framework, the ARC will further strengthen a workplace culture that is inclusive, engaging and supportive for everyone, with benefits for our people, our partners and the wider community. Alison BeasleyDiversity Champion Introduction Purpose This Framework outlines the ARC’s commitment to creating and maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture through equity and equality. Through the work enabled by this Framework we will do better in removing barriers and embracing the diversity of our people to create a truly inclusive workplace. About diversity and inclusion at the ARC The ARC’s ambition is to be a leader in diversity and inclusion amongst small agencies in the Australian Public Service (APS). At the ARC we want to model best practice for the public sector and offer an inclusive work environment that attracts a diverse range of people, who bring their best selves to work each day to share perspectives and deliver results for our research partners and the Australian community. Why diversity matters Community expectations of the public service have heightened and there is an imperative to embed diversity and inclusion so that we can deliver on our outcomes for the Australian community while also representing the diverse nature of the Australian community. The shape of our diverse workforce Demographic measure ARC June 2023 APS June2023 Australia Identify as woman or female 65% 59% 51% Identify as man or male 30% 37% 49% Identifyas Aboriginalor Torres Strait Islander 3% 4% 3.2% Identify as having ongoing disability 15% 11% 18% Identifiy as having carerresponsibilities 42% 43% 10.8% Identify as LGBTIQA+ 13% 9% 3-4% Identify as neurodivergent 13% 8% 15-20% ARC Diversity and Inclusion Principles Based on the four aspects identified by the Diversity Council Australia essential to an inclusive culture, the ARC guiding principles will be used to assess the successful implementation of diversity and inclusion strategies within our workplace. Our diversity and inclusion goals This Framework contains 4 over-arching goals for the ARC from 2024 to 2026 to drive diversity and inclusion in our organisation. These goals are high level and provide direction to the agency – other more detailed work will take place within the Diversity Working Group. Goal 1: The ARC will empower our people to drive diversity and inclusion through continued support of our Diversity Working Group Goal 2: The ARC will take a ‘continuous learning’ approach to diversity and inclusion by maintaining memberships with government networks and representative groups Goal 3: The ARC will enthusiastically implement APS-wide diversity and inclusion strategies and frameworks, tailoring them as appropriate to our agency’s needs Goal 4: We will monitor and encourage diversity and inclusion amongst our partners in the research community, where appropriate Supporting a diverse research workforce In addition to our support for diversity and inclusion in our own workforce, the ARC also values equality, diversity, and inclusion in the research workforce that we partner with in the delivery of our grants. The ARC’s Research Workforce Statement outlines our commitment to a strong and sustainable research workforce. Gender equality In support of gender equality in the research workforce the ARC has published the ARC Gender Equality Statement, which can be found on our website. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researchers and Research Statement The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researchers and Research Statement outlines the support the ARC provides for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers, research students and research. Research Opportunity and Performance Evidence (ROPE) Statement ARC’s Research Opportunity and Performance Evidence (ROPE) Statement supports equitable access to research funding. Contacts People & Capability SectionARC-HRteam@arc.gov.au