ANSTO

ANSTO is one of Australia’s largest public research organisations and is widely recognised as an international player in the field of nuclear science and technology.  More than 1000 scientists, engineers and experts work at ANSTO using nuclear science and technology with real-world benefits. Our work improves human health, saves lives, builds our industries, and protects the environment. 

ANSTO has a culture of inclusion, where our diversity of thought and differing perspectives are a source of organisational agility, resilience and renewal. We provide empowering and effective work-based policies that support flexibility and the individual needs of our employees, including flexible work practices and family-friendly programs. Our inclusive culture enables us to retain our talent within a rewarding environment, and attract the best talent to work with us in the future.

We bring extraordinary people like you together to improve human health, save lives, build industries, and protect the environment. 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging 

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.

Guiding Principles

• Everyone belongs.  We hold ourselves to account for creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace every day observing how people are participating and checking in on sentiment in relation to belonging.

• Safety is paramount. We watch out for each other, and we create a safe space for people to voice how they are feeling in relation to the workplace, inequities and lack of inclusiveness.  We make it our business to be in the business of people, promoting and fostering safety in all that we do.

• Systems and processes are central.  We act as change agents and focus on systemic change.  It is our role to enhance systems and processes to embed fairer, equitable and inclusive structures.  This will result in better outcomes for all and fosters an inclusive and equitable culture into everything we do.

• Rules of engagement. We connect with each other in a way that is accountable and responsible regardless of hierarchy or ego.  This principle ensures that we all engage using the same philosophy and we create a culture that is uniquely ANSTO.

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.

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.

Employee Networks

LGBTQIA+

Our LGBTIA+ 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. Individuals in our network work role models and mentors and provide outreach to LGBTQI+ youth in STEM.

Ignite

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. 

Indigenous Australia

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. There are four core components in development:

• An Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 

• An Indigenous employment strategy

• Actively acknowledging and sharing information about local Indigenous cultural heritage

• Fostering an Indigenous community connection with the innovation precinct in Sydney.

Disability 

As an organisation, we are committed to increasing the representation of people with disabilities and removing workplace bias and harassment. While our Disability Action Plan is currently in progress, we are actively engaging in targeted consultation and engagement to ensure the voices of people with disabilities are heard. We focus on enhancing visibility and inclusion, and we are dedicated to aligning our policies to support the full participation of people with disabilities. By fostering an inclusive environment, we aim to create a workplace where everyone can thrive.

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

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.