ANSTO is committed to establishing and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where people are valued for their contribution, engaged with their work and the organisation, and feel a sense of belonging at ANSTO every day.
ANSTO Values and Behaviours
We seek to attract, develop, and retain people from all backgrounds and experience, with culture at the heart of all we do with and through our people. We recognise that everyone is unique (personality, ethnicity, life experience, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, neurodivergence, behaviours, gender, age – non-exhaustive list) and that embracing difference is key to unleashing potential, high performance and thriving at work. We want to enable our people to be their authentic self at work.
Read our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging policy.
Key Priorities
Culture and Belonging
At ANSTO, we are committed to fostering a culture that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive, ensuring that everyone feels a sense of belonging and psychological safety. We prioritise creating a respectful workplace by implementing psychosocial safety measures and supporting employee network groups. Additionally, we offer cultural awareness training to enhance understanding and respect among our employees. By doing so, we aim to build a cohesive and supportive atmosphere where everyone can thrive.
Employee Networks
LGBTQIA+
Our LGBTI Staff network’s mission is to provide support, networking and advocacy to gender diverse and same-sex attracted people at ANSTO. Our network provides visibility to gender diversity and LGBTQI+ issues, and support and advocacy for those encountering difficulties in the workplace. They provide important input into ANSTO policies and procedures on gender diversity and LGBTQI+ issues.
Ignite Network
Ignite is an employee-led inclusive and diverse network of young professionals, aiming to support early career development, build connections, and advocate for the young voice at ANSTO.
Meditation and multi-faith prayer space
ANSTO’s Lucas Heights campus has two dedicated spaces that can be used for mediation and prayer, including a meeting room and a silent room. This facility is intended to provide staff with quiet and peaceful rooms.
Rooms for private reflection, meditation and prayer are available to our staff working at ANSTO’s Clayton campus.
These spaces accommodate all religious affiliations and denominations, and are part of ANSTO’s ongoing commitment to provide facilitates that enable balance between personal, work and faith based commitments.
Gender Equity
As an organisation, we prioritise advancing gender equity by focusing on increasing the participation and representation of women, particularly in leadership roles and STEM fields. We are committed to meeting the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) reporting requirements and achieving our gender targets of 40:40:20. ANSTO adopts a broader view of gender equity, inclusive of diverse genders and identities, and ensures equal remuneration for all employees. By fostering an inclusive environment, we aim to create opportunities for everyone to thrive and succeed.
ANSTO is endorsed by WORK180 as an organisation genuinely committed to supporting women in the workplace. Find out more here.
The Panel Pledge
The Champions of Change Coalition, Panel Pledge aims to increase the visibility and contribution of women and diverse leaders in public and professional forums. The Group Executive leadership team at ANSTO has taken the pledge as part of a greater commitment to support diversity.
We pledge to increase the visibility and contribution of women and diverse leaders in public and professional forums.
ANSTO was awarded an Athena SWAN Bronze Institution Award, acknowledging our dedication to improving workplace equality and inclusion. This award recognises our commitment to addressing workforce diversity and fostering an inclusive environment.
Overall
Gender breakdown
65%
Male
35%
Female
Reconciliation Action Plan
ANSTO acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands of each of our campuses and the unique cultural significance of the area in the past, today and into the future.
In recognition of this connection, ANSTO is enhancing activities to connect with the local and broader Australian Indigenous communities. The approach is captured in the The 2nd Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan - Download . ANSTO actively acknowledges and shares information about local Indigenous cultural heritage at its campuses. We also supporting Indigenous research - View Digital map among other activities.
At ANSTO, we are dedicated to delivering our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to build respect, recognition, and opportunities for Indigenous communities. Our priorities include fostering cultural awareness and building strong relationships through our Indigenous Employment and Procurement Strategies. We are committed to achieving our Indigenous employment targets and enhancing procurement opportunities for Indigenous businesses. By focusing on these areas, we aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Disability
As an organisation, we are committed to increasing the representation of people with disabilities and addressing workplace bias and harassment. While our Disability Action Plan is in progress, we are engaging in consultations to ensure the voices of people with disabilities are heard. We aim to enhance visibility and inclusion, and we are working to align our policies to support the participation of people with disabilities. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Workforce
Flexibility
ANSTO is committed to providing a flexible, supportive and diverse working environment to enable everyone to work towards their planned career goals and encourages employees to live a balanced lifestyle, combining work, family and community responsibilities.
80% of staff states that their work arrangements meet their need for flexibility.
Parenting career phase
ANSTO is committed to ensuring that our staff are supported during the parenting phase of their careers.
We recognise that staff navigating through this phase learn valuable skills and are committed to supporting employees and partnering with them during this period.
Generous maternity/parental paid and unpaid leave
Flexible working options
On-site childcare centre
Family room
Three weeks of sick/carers leave per year
Parenting toolkit of assist managers and employee plan this career phase.
Phased retirement
ANSTO recognises the knowledge, skills and expertise held by mature-aged employees, and the contribution they can make to the Organisation.
Our organisation offers a range of phased retirement options, including mentoring, community involvement and flexible working arrangements to assist employees phase into retirement.
Supporting employees in periods of difficulty
ANSTO is committed to a workplace where all employees feel safe and supported. Any employee at risk of, or experiencing, domestic and family violence should feel free to seek support from ANSTO and Employee Assistance Programs and be comfortable in doing so. We:
Provide affected employees with a safe space, support networks and leave entitlements when dealing with domestic or family violence
Promote flexible work practices at all levels in the organisation to support employees with family or other caring responsibilities and create an equal opportunity environment
Provide information on support services and options for managers, colleagues and individuals that may be affected by, or are at risk of being affected, on how to respond effectively and assist with minimising the impacts of the violence as much as possible.
Our commitment in this area is underpinned by ANSTO’s Domestic and Family Violence Policy.
Healthy minds and healthy bodies
ANSTO has a number of programs and facilities that support mental and physical health including:
Workplace-based physiotherapist
Women’s and men’s health screening program
Lunchtime sporting activities
Flexible work arrangements
Running club
Social club
Quit smoking support
Employee and manager support program with psychologists (EAP service)
Mindfulness seminars and tools
