Community organisations, members or advocates

Public authorities

Equal Opportunity Act 2010: an overview

Recommended for people and organisations needing a quick understanding of their key responsibilities under Victoria’s equal opportunity law

If you are an employer, a provider of goods and services (including education and accommodation), a club (including sports clubs) or a local government authority, you have obligations underVictoria’s equal opportunity laws. This free briefing will help you understand what you have to do and how the Commission can help you.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• highlight the important features of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010
• give an overview of your obligations under the law
• consider the implications for your organisation’s policies and practice
• outline how the Commission can help you comply and work towards good practice.

Cost per person: Free

Location: Carlton workshops will be held at the Commission's offices, Level 3, 204 Lygon Street, Carlton. Metropolitan and regional locations will be updated.

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

Equal opportunity compliance in schools

Recommended for principals, teachers and school support staff

Students, staff and parents have the right to equal participation in education and the life of the school community, and to feel safe doing so. This workshop will help you understand your obligations to put strategies in place that create inclusive environments and prevent discrimination from occurring.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• explore the principles behind equal opportunity and inclusion in all areas of school life
• outline schools’ obligations under relevant legislation
• examine how discrimination and harassment can happen in all areas of school life
• highlight the benefits of creating an inclusive school culture
• identify relevant policies, procedures and practices that should be in place
• explain the Commission’s resources available to assist schools in good practice.

Please note: This course (and others in our calendar) are registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching professional development program. Visit search.pdi.vic.edu.au for more information.

Cost per person: $308

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

Equal opportunity contact officer: new to the role

A must for newly appointed contact officers

Equal opportunity contact officers provide information and support to help staff resolve issues of workplace discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation. A network of contact officers in your workplace is an important part of your organisation’s strategy to prevent discrimination and handle complaints. This workshop prepares participants for this important role.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• explore the purpose and role of the contact officer
• consider appropriate workplace behaviour under your policies and the law
• equip contact officers to conduct contact interviews
• provide participants with an opportunity to practise the skills required
• discuss how to establish a contact officer network at your workplace
• provide a copy of the Contact Officer Resource Manual.

Please bring: Your organisation’s policies on equal opportunity, discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment and conflict management.

Cost per person: $528 ($132 for volunteers, community advocates and community organisations)

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

Equal opportunity contact officer: practice update

Recommended for contact officers wanting to enhance their practice, up-skill or learn from others

Featuring a facilitated discussion and review session, this workshop enables contact officers to keep up-to-date with new developments in equal opportunity, debrief on some of the issues that have come their way and learn from contact officers in other environments.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• provide an update on equal opportunity legislation and case law
• discuss common dilemmas experienced by contact officers
• refresh and practise the skills required to fulfil the role effectively.

Prerequisites: Equal opportunity contact officer: new to the role or experience as a contact officer.

Cost per person: $264 ($66 for volunteers, community advocates and community organisations)

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

Equal opportunity, human rights and disability

Recommended for people with a disability, carers, advocates, employers, providers of goods and services, and public authorities

Around one in five people inVictoriahas a disability and discrimination features frequently in their day-to-day life. UnderstandingVictoria’s discrimination and human rights laws can be a vital first step in overcoming discrimination, receiving and providing better service and creating opportunities to participate more fully in community life.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• outline the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 and the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 with a focus on disability protections
• discuss how employers, education providers and providers of goods and services must make reasonable adjustments for people with disability
• explain how public authorities must consider human rights when developing policies and delivering services
• explain how the Commission can help you resolve disputes about discrimination.

Cost per person: Free for community members and volunteers. $66 for advocates from community organisations

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

Equal opportunity obligations and effective practice for managers

Recommended for all managers, team leaders and supervisors

Managers and others with supervisory responsibilities play a critical role in building inclusive, safe and flexible workplaces. Understand your obligations under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010, learn how to prevent unlawful discrimination and consider effective management strategies to foster a motivated, healthy and productive workplace.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• provide a practical explanation of equal opportunity and discrimination as it applies to your workplace
• outline your responsibilities under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010, including the new positive duty obligation
• identify the potential risk factors for workplace discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying and explore effective strategies to prevent and resolve these before they become formal complaints
• identify management strategies to help you build an inclusive and productive workplace and meet your positive duty.

Cost per person: $352 ($88 for volunteers, community advocates and community organisations)

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

Equal opportunity obligations for community organisations

Recommended for CEOs, human resource professionals and senior managers in community organisations

The Equal Opportunity Act 2010 applies to community organisations and it’s your responsibility to make sure your organisation is compliant. Building compliance can also help you create a diverse and inclusive organisation and provide better services to your clients and community members.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• highlight the important features of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010
• give an overview of your obligations under the law
• consider the implications for your organisation’s policies and practice
• outline how the Commission can help you comply and work towards good practice.

Cost per person: Free

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

Equal opportunity tools for unions and industrial advocates

Recommended for industrial advocates, union officials and delegates

Learn how equal opportunity law can help you protect your members from discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation at work. Whether they are ongoing, temporary, casual or contract employees, the law protects your members from discrimination when applying for a job, seeking promotion, accessing terms and conditions, and during dismissal. Make sure you take this knowledge with you whenever you enter a workplace!

Objectives

The workshop will:

• explain your members’ rights under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010
• explain the new positive duty and reasonable adjustment obligations on employers
• highlight how you can use the law to protect your members
• outline how the Commission can help you resolve disputes about discrimination.

Cost per person: $66 

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

Inclusive recruitment: selection without discrimination

Recommended for human resource professionals, managers and others responsible for recruitment and selection

This workshop will provide practical advice about applying key principles, processes and tools that underpin lawful and effective recruitment and selection. Learn how complying with the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 can help you build a diverse talent pool and institute inclusive work practices that maximise performance.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• clarify how equal opportunity laws apply to key steps in the recruitment process
• discuss the application of concepts such as genuine job requirements, reasonable adjustments, merit, cultural fit
• reconsider pre-employment medicals, testing and aptitude testing in recruitment
• outline primary, accessory and vicarious liability for recruiters

Cost: $264 ($66 for volunteers, community advocates and community organisations)

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

Investigating formal complaints

Recommended for human resource professionals and others responsible for undertaking internal investigations

Successfully managing formal workplace investigations can help your organisation stay focused and productive. It also demonstrates your commitment to a positive workplace culture. Learn the skills to investigate formal workplace complaints quickly and effectively, while respecting all parties and minimising disruption.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• outline the context of formal workplace complaint investigations, including alternative dispute resolution options
• examine the principles of effective workplace investigations, including procedural and substantive fairness, timeliness and confidentiality
• identify the steps needed to conduct an effective workplace investigation
• allow participants to practise skills required to conduct investigations and make appropriate recommendations.

Cost per person: $528 ($132 for volunteers, community advocates and community organisations)

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

Managing return to work after injury or illness

Recommended for return-to-work coordinators and others managing ill or injured workers

Returning to work after physical or mental illness or injury can sometimes give rise to real or perceived discrimination. This interactive workshop, developed in consultation with WorkSafeVictoria, will help you manage this process smoothly and effectively.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• provide a brief overview of equal opportunity law as it applies to the return-to-work process
• consider stages in the return-to-work process where complaints of discrimination commonly arise and how to reduce these risks
• explore what to do if a returning worker feels they are being treated inappropriately.

Cost per person: $308 ($77 for volunteers, community advocates and community organisations)

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

Mediating workplace disputes effectively

Recommended for managers and human resource professionals

Take the heat out of workplace disputes and keep your organisation productive and harmonious by mediating workplace concerns successfully.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• help participants understand the principles and process of successful mediation
• identify the steps used in the mediation process
• examine the communication skills required to mediate a dispute effectively.

Cost per person: $528 ($231 for volunteers, community advocates and community organisations)

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

Play by the rules: promoting fair, safe and inclusive sport

Recommended for sporting organisations’ executive officers, board of management members, coaches, referees and other officials, sport development officers, recreation officers and teachers

You’ve read the headlines: ‘Two-year ban for race slur’, ‘Unruly fans on notice’, ‘Taunt about mum costs star’. What would you do if this were your club? Where would you go for help? How would you bring about change? Learn how to recognise, prevent and deal with discrimination and harassment in sport, and create an inclusive and safe club for everyone to enjoy.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• explore how discrimination and harassment can happen in sport
• identify the relevant laws
• identify policies, complaint-handling procedures and practices that should be in place to help sporting organisations, clubs and schools comply with these laws
• introduce you to Play by the Rules, an interactive web resource
• identify other organisations and resources available to help.

Please note: Completing this course meets the half-day harassment and discrimination component of the Australian Sports Commission’s Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) course for Victoria. For more information about MPIO requirements, contact Merryn Bellamy at Sport and Recreation Victoria: merryn.bellamy@sport.vic.gov.au.

Cost per person: $309 ($77 for volunteers, community advocates and community organisations)

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

Preventing discrimination: new obligations for employers

Recommended for experienced human resource practitioners and managers with responsibility for equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion, and people and culture within organisations

Just as occupational health and safety laws require employers to take appropriate steps to prevent injuries, the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 requires organisations to take appropriate steps to prevent discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation. For experienced practitioners already familiar with equal opportunity law, this workshop explores what this ‘positive duty’ could look like in your organisation.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• review the key components of equal opportunity legislation
• consider the practical implications of the positive duty
• highlight examples of the positive duty in action
• explore effective tools to help organisations achieve good practice.

Cost per person: $308 ($77 for volunteers, community advocates and community organisations)

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

Small business: equal opportunity basics

Recommended for small business operators wanting a quick overview of the key obligations under equal opportunity law.

Equal opportunity laws apply to all small businesses inVictoria. Learn the fundamentals of these laws and the steps you can take to comply.

This workshop is part of the Victorian Small Business Festival. The Commission is an official event host.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• provide an overview of the key features of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010
• outline the rights and obligations of small business under discrimination law
• consider the steps you need to take to comply with the law.

Cost per person: Free

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

Small business: practical equal opportunity management skills

Recommended for small business operators wanting practical strategies to implement equal opportunity in the workplace.

Just as occupational health and safety laws require small business operators to take appropriate steps to prevent injuries, the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 requires small business operators to take appropriate steps to prevent discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation.

Learn the necessary skills and strategies to identify, prevent and resolve equal opportunity issues, discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation through business focused activities, real life examples and practical tips.

This workshop is part of the Victorian Small Business Festival. The Commission is an official event host.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• provide an overview of the key features of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010
• outline the responsibilities of managers to prevent and resolve equal opportunity issues
• assist with the development of practical skills and strategies to meet your obligations, including the new positive duty obligation.

Cost per person: Free

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

Tackling race-based discrimination for CALD communities

Recommended for CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) advocates and community members

InVictoria, it is against the law to discriminate against or vilify someone because of their race or religion. UnderstandingVictoria’s discrimination and human rights laws can be a vital first step in overcoming discrimination, receiving better service and creating opportunities to participate more fully in community life.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• outline the equal opportunity and human rights protections available under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 and the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006
• explain the responsibilities of government and public authorities, employers, education providers, real estate agents and other service providers to eliminate discrimination
• discuss how equal opportunity and human rights laws can be used to improve service delivery
• explain how the Commission can help you resolve disputes about racial discrimination and vilification.

Cost per person: Free for community members and volunteers. $66 for advocates from community organisations

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

Tackling race-based discrimination for the Victorian Aboriginal community

Recommended for members of the Victorian Aboriginal community

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission can help you deal with complaints about discrimination.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• outline the law under which the Commission helps people to resolve disputes of discrimination
• provide a step-by-step guide on how to bring a dispute to the Commission
• explain how disputes are resolved through conciliation
• give examples of successful conciliations.

Cost per person: Free

Location: Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, 273 High Street, Preston

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

The Charter for state government and public authorities

Recommended for state, local government and public authorities’ employees and managers 

Understanding human rights inVictoriawill help you identify opportunities to improve your services. Tailored specifically for government and public authorities’ employees, this course outlines your responsibilities under the Charter and explores how using the Charter can enhance your everyday service delivery. 

Objectives

The workshop will:

• outline the human rights of all people inVictoriaand explain how the Charter operates
• highlight the obligations on government and public authorities’ employees
• identify Charter issues in the context of your day-to-day work
• identify strategies to prevent and rectify breaches of Charter rights
• outline the role of the Commission and other key complaint-handling bodies.

Please note: Government and public authorities also have responsibilities under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Please refer to the relevant course in this calendar.

Cost per person: $264 ($66 for volunteers, community advocates and community organisations)

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities: an introduction

Recommended for community members

UnderstandingVictoria’s human rights laws can be a vital first step in overcoming barriers, receiving and delivering better service, and creating opportunities for people to participate more fully in community life. This workshop provides a practical introduction to the Charter and shows how it can be used by government, community and other organisations to improve services.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• introduce the human rights protected by the Charter
• outline who has rights under the Charter
• explain the responsibilities of public authorities under the Charter
• explain how the Charter relates to the Equal Opportunity Act 2010
• outline how to prevent and address Charter breaches.

Cost per person: Free for community members and volunteers. $66 for advocates from community organisations

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

Train-the-trainer: equal opportunity for employees

Recommended for workplace trainers, human resource professionals, managers and supervisors

A crucial part of any strategy to prevent discrimination and harassment is regular staff education. This course equips you to conduct interactive and effective workshops for your non-supervisory staff on their equal opportunity obligations. You’ll no longer be reliant on external expertise, but have the capacity to deliver effective equal opportunity training whenever and wherever it’s needed.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• discuss the key messages of equal opportunity training, including practical responses to frequently asked questions
• explore effective delivery methods, tools and activities and practise skills and methods for conducting equal opportunity training in the workplace
• provide participants with a package that can be adapted and reproduced for in-house training delivery in your workplace.

Prerequisites: Experience in training and facilitation.

Cost per person: $957 ($264 for volunteers, community advocates and community organisations)

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

Using equal opportunity and human rights for advocacy

Recommended for case managers, support people, other advocates or community members

Learn how Victorian human rights and equal opportunity laws can help you overcome discrimination, advance human rights, encourage better services, and build a fairer society for your clients, yourself and other community members.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• outline the laws that deal with discrimination, sexual harassment, racial and religious vilification and human rights
• discuss organisations’ obligations
• explore how you can use equal opportunity and human rights principles and laws to prevent people being treated unfairly
• outline the role of the Commission and other key complaint-handling bodies.

Cost per person: $352 ($88 for volunteers, community advocates and community organisations)

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

Using the Commission’s free dispute resolution service

Recommended for community members, advocates and organisations

The Commission provides a free, fair and timely dispute resolution service to help people resolve disputes about discrimination, sexual harassment, victimisation, and racial and religious vilification.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• outline the laws under which the Commission helps people resolve a dispute
• provide a step-by-step guide on how to bring a dispute to the Commission
• explain how disputes can be resolved through conciliation
• give real examples of successful conciliations.

Cost per person: Free

Location: Carlton workshops will be held at the Commission's offices, Level 3, 204 Lygon Street, Carlton. Regional locations will be updated.

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

The workshop in Carlton on Tuesday 17 July, 9.30am-11:30am, is fully booked. Please select from the other dates below.

Working with employees with mental illness

Recommended for human resource professionals, managers and supervisors

Recognising and promoting mental health is a key element in the provision of a safe and healthy workplace. Understanding how to support and manage staff with mental illness is also an essential management responsibility. This two-hour course will help managers understand the rights and responsibilities of those with mental illness and explore the anti-discrimination framework about disability, mental illness and reasonable adjustments.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• build an understanding of the effects of mental illness in the workplace
• provide practical tips about how to support an employee with mental illness
• clarify equal opportunity and discrimination law in relation to mental illness
• explore reasonable adjustments and flexibility.

Cost per person: $264 ($66 for volunteers, community advocates and community organisations)

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

Workplace behaviour: preventing and managing sexual harassment and bullying

Recommended for human resource professionals, managers and supervisors

This workshop will help your organisation identify the risks and deal with inappropriate behaviour quickly, effectively and out of the public domain, while respecting all staff involved and safeguarding ongoing working relationships.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• help your organisation identify workplace behaviour risks
• consider how far an organisation’s responsibilities extend to protect staff from inappropriate behaviour
• explain the relevant policies and procedures an organisation needs to prevent and eliminate sexual harassment and bullying
• identify strategies to prevent and resolve inappropriate behaviour.

Cost per person: $264 ($66 for volunteers, community advocates and community organisations)

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below

Rights before Christmas

Recommended for human resource professionals, managers and supervisors

Safeguard ongoing working relationships and avoid the morning after the night before by 'harassment proofing' your organisation in readiness for the festive season.

Objectives

The workshop will:

• help your organisation identify the particular risks associated with end of year celebrations
• clarify how far your organisation's responsibilities extend to protect staff from inappropriate behavious
• outline the relevant policies and procedures required to prevent and eliminate sexual harassment
• identify practices to safeguard your staff at social events that may involve festive cheer, inappropriate novelties and gifts and the use of social media and personal devices
• identify strategies tot prevent and resolve inappropriate behaviour
• encourage all staff to take steps to ensure celbrations are safe for everyone.

Cost per person: $264 (a discount is available for community organisations)

Location: Commission offices, Level 3,204 Lygon Street, Carlton

To submit a registration request select from the dates below