Vice-Chancellor's Gender Equality Fund Final Report 2022: Voice of Western through Data Unlinkability: Setting the Agenda for Better Equity and Inclusion of Western Staff and Students with Diverse Genders, Sexualities, and Sex Characteristics

University staff and students who identify as LGBTQIA+ face persistent, pervasive and intersecting challenges in their work and studies. LGBTQIA+ participants in an anonymous survey run the risk of being re-identifiable from intersecting personal information provided. A novel 3-stage survey data collection method that segments intersecting personal and professional/study attributes was trialled with LGBTQIA+ Western Sydney University students and staff. Findings found the 3-stage surveying methods (Voice of Western) to be acceptable and not too onerous on the participants. Two rounds of a Delphi survey embedded in the 3-stage survey method identified and prioritised the areas of focus for improving LGBTQIA+ inclusion at Western Sydney University. The priorities included university-wide systematic support for and protection of LGBTQIA+ people; the use of non-gendered expression and inclusive language in classes, policies and procedures; improved recognition and celebration of genders, sexualities, and sex characteristics diversity; proactive demonstratable support for LGBTQIA+ people; and the importance of LGBTQIA+ safe spaces. The Voice of Western survey methods has the potential to be a safe and inclusive approach for deploying future sensitive, potentially re-identifiable surveys with disadvantaged, marginalised or vulnerable students or staff. The findings from the current Voice of Western survey provide further guidance and baseline for the University in terms of strategies to incorporate better support for LGBTQIA+ students and staff.