Role of the Discrimination & Harassment Contact Officers (DHCOs)

Contact a DHCO

Before contacting a DHCO, please read about their role below:

The role of a DHCO

The University of Queensland has an obligation as an employer and educational institution, to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment. Discrimination and Harassment Contact Officers are volunteer staff who undertake an important role in assisting UQ to meet this obligation. The role of a DHCO does not in any way remove responsibility from the designated officer in a University grievance resolution procedure.

The specific role of Discrimination and Harassment Contact Officers is to:

• Provide a ‘first point of contact' for people with enquiries related to discrimination, harassment and bullying.
• Provide information to clients, including complainants, respondents and managers/supervisors about the University's policies, grievance resolution procedures related to harassment and discrimination, and where to access support or advice, both internal and external to The University.
• Undertake awareness-raising in the workplace about University policies and procedures in regard to discrimination and harassment and grievance resolution.
• Assist parties in a grievance to work towards a solution by encouraging them to generate options for dealing with their particular concern.
• Where possible and as appropriate, encourage parties to utilise the lower level, informal processes available to them.
• Provide feedback to the Equity Office for statistical purposes, and alert the Director to any issues/problems related to the DHCO role.

It is expected that Discrimination and Harassment Contact Officers will:

• Have a commitment to and understanding of social justice and equal opportunity.
• Provide accurate information and appropriately refer matters as required.
• By their own behaviour, act as a role model to other staff and to students.
• Be proactive in promoting a discrimination and harassment free environment.
• Be discreet and maintain confidentiality of the issues raised by persons seeking advice, with the following caveat: A DHCO is required to advise an appropriate senior staff member if they believe a client may be in danger or potentially endanger someone else, or if they believe the issue is or may be potentially extremely serious.

 A DHCO will not:

• Engage in advocacy on behalf of an individual
• Undertake mediation or investigation
• In any way become involved in the grievance resolution process other than as described in the role description.
• Act as a DHCO in situations where they may be a conflict of interest. In such instances, clients are to be referred.

DHCOs are required to:

1. Have completed both modules of the EO-Online training program.
2. Undertake the University’s DHCO training course and be registered with the Equity Office before commencing as a Contact Officers.
3. Undertake a refresher training program at least once every two years, or as required by The Equity Office in response to changes in legislation or University policy which affect procedures.
4. Keep up to date with any changes in policies and procedures.
5. Provide the Equity Office with feedback, including the return of Discrimination and Harassment Record Forms.

The DHCOs role is voluntary, and undertaken in addition to the person's normal duties.  It is important that supervisors/managers support the work of the DHCO. The role may be recognised as a legitimate aspect of ‘service’ for academic staff. A staff member wishing to take on this role should discuss this with their supervisor/manager prior to undertaking training. Supervisors/managers are welcome to contact The Director, The Equity Office to discuss the implications of a staff member in their area becoming a DHCO.

Train as a UQ Discrimination and Harassment Contact Officer:

You will have a commitment to fairness, a desire to assist people resolve conflict, an interest in supporting the elimination of discrimination and harassment, the capacity to deal with confidential, often complex interpersonal matters and to be objective.

Register online through the Staff Development site for the next training day.

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