Penelope Pitcairn

Experience

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  University of New South Wales

  Jan 1996 - May 2009

  Equity Officer (ACCESS and Programs)

  Providing a wholistic and structured support program for students from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds who gained admission to UNSW through the Access Scheme. Tracking the academic progress of Access students and providing individual support when required. Applied knowledge of student support approaches to address the needs of disadvantaged students and contribute to the delivery of the Higher Education Equity Program (HEEP). Preparing reports for internal and external audiences, including the Student Equity Report to the Commonwealth Department of Education and Training. Developed a deep understanding of the barriers to accessing higher education for people from low socio-economic backgrounds. Used this knowledge to inform policy and program development. Worked closely with students from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds to help them navigate the University’s systems, process and rules. Show less

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  The University of New South Wales

  May 2009 - Feb 2014

  Manager, Workplace Diversity

  Responsible for supporting the development and implementation of strategies to achieve the University’s employment equity and diversity goals and devolve responsibility and accountability to line managers for employment equity and diversity outcomes. Provided professional advice, guidance and secretariat service to the Gender Equity Steering Committee. Monitored policy and its implementation to ensure it reflects current equity & diversity best practice. Ensured that the Grievance Management Procedure meets equal opportunity and anti-discrimination requirements appropriately. Show less

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  Equity Practitioners In Higher Education Australasia (EPHEA)

  Jan 2012 - Jan 2013

  Executive Committee Secretary

  This voluntary role involved providing high-level secretarial support to the EPHEA Executive Committee. Contributed to discussions and decisions that informed the direction of the Executive Committee. Facilitated communication between the Executive Committee and the membership of EPHEA. Coordinated the AGM for the Association. A major focus during my term as Secretary was the transition to an incorporated association and the accompanying changes to processes to meet these obligations.

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  The University of Sydney

  Feb 2014 - Dec 2020

  Staff Accessibility Manager

  Responsible for supporting the University of Sydney’s strategic objective to be recognised as an employer of choice for people with disability, building and implementing sustainable programs and policy to support the Disability Action Plan (DAP) 2013-19 and contributing to the culture stream of the University of Sydney Strategic Plan 2016-20.

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  Australian Network on Disability

  Mar 2021 - Jan 2024

  Relationship Manager

  Providing consultancy services to guide our member organisations to achieve their accessibility and inclusion goals and advance the inclusion of people with disability in all aspects of business.