Here, Associate Professor Sarah Wayland shares with us the first in a series of articles reflecting on staff and student wellbeing at UNE.

Helping staff to have conversations that matter

Last July, you might remember that UNE released the EY report on culture, safety and wellbeing. Since then, across our entire institution, there has been a steady and concerted program of reform.

This has included

• a 360-degree senior leadership review;
• establishing the dedicated position I now hold;
• extensive additional policy development to support the Psychological Risk Management Framework;
• overhauling management of staff complaint and grievance processes; and
• uplifting the Safe Communities Program.

As part of this work, UNE has re-engaged Acumen Global Partners – who will be visiting the Armidale campus this week – to address current and historical issues related to organisational culture, with a focus on developing and embedding a shared set of values and signature behaviours across the institution. This was done because UNE believes your health and wellness are critical.

The current state of the Higher Education sector confirms that some people are tired. Rebuilding trust and goodwill is a slow process.

Your input is vital

To help with this, UNE is being guided by Acumen Global Partners and your input. We are actively working to develop the kind of community in which you can flourish – where you feel safe to speak up and try new things, and your diversity is embraced. We are shaping a new future, together. And your participation is both welcome and vitally important.

“We are not here to deliver a program, but to partner with the UNE community,” said Acumen partner Robert McVicar. “We are here to help articulate the values and behaviours that you wish to see more of, so that you can realise your full potential and the institution can realise future opportunities.”

A way forward

Throughout an 11-week discovery phase, Acumen consulted widely with a cross-section of UNE stakeholders, including members of the Senior Leadership Team, council members, People and Culture, the professoriate, Indigenous and union representatives, and professional staff.  The feedback and inputs provided have been extremely helpful to the UNE-Acumen design team, which has been tasked with charting a new path forward.

First steps

Phase one of this project starts with the Acumen team attending the Senior Leaders’ retreat and will run until to mid-December. It will include a suite of activities to bring the UNE Code of Conduct to the fore, put necessary supports in place, and inspire university-wide shifts in thinking and action. The goal is to support people in having robust and thoughtful conversations that interrupt unhelpful patterns and make it more acceptable to question the status quo.

“We are looking to co-create an environment where people speak about what matters most to them and to engage in collaborative problem-solving,” said Acumen associate Joan Johnson. “By introducing practical tools within small group conversations, we aim to support thoughtful conversations that reconnect people and generate pulses of constructive energy across the university.”

Strong foundations

Fortunately, we have some strong foundations to build on. Many of you have expressed pride in UNE, and a passion and eagerness for change. This has highlighted the many positives that underpin our unique organisation.

It’s about building on the strengths we already possess. Everyone can be a leader in this transition, engaging respectfully to create fresh connections and a sense of belonging.

What’s next?

In coming months, Acumen will be supporting UNE convenors to host small-group sessions aimed at fostering relationships and creativity. The program of work continues next year, aligned with plans to refresh UNE’s Vision, Values and Signature Behaviours. 

“Acumen is committed to going the distance with UNE, to helping the community redefine and embody the values and behaviours that match your aspirations,” said Joan. “That includes providing the expertise, tools and support to assist staff navigating this often-tricky territory.” 

UNE will also be celebrating those employees who model supportive behaviour, to demonstrate the possibilities and to create a shared blueprint for the workplace culture we want. For, despite the setbacks, wonderful work continues across the university.

UNE Vice-Chancellor and CEO Professor Chris Moran understands that some members of the UNE community will be feeling fatigued and even sceptical about the university’s capacity for change. “Nevertheless, I encourage you to engage with this genuine effort to better align UNE’s culture with staff and societal expectations,” he said.

“UNE’s employees deserve personal safety, strong leadership, a positive culture and opportunities for rewarding work. Only then will the university thrive and be capable of withstanding and/or capitalising on the challenges our sector faces.”

Associate Professor Sarah Wayland
Principal Lead – Student and Staff Safety and Wellbeing

If you are interested in learning more about this project, please contact Sarah Wayland at principallead@une.edu.au