Gender Based Violence GBV Declaration FAQs

1. About the GBV Declaration

a. Who needs to complete a GBV declaration?
All prospective staff members and affiliates of ACU are required to complete a GBV declaration as part of the pre-employment checks in our recruitment process.

b. Why is ACU asking prospective employees to complete a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) declaration?
This requirement ensures ACU meets its legal obligations under the National Code and supports our commitment to a safe, respectful community. By identifying and managing risks early, we protect the wellbeing of staff and students while upholding our values of dignity and respect.

c. What is the National Higher Education Code
The National Higher Education Code sets clear expectations for universities to take a proactive, whole-of-university approach to preventing and responding to gender-based violence. It includes seven standards covering leadership, safe environments, education, support services, and accountability. ACU’s declaration process is one part of this broader prevention and response plan.

2. What Needs to Be Declared

a. What needs to be declared?
Candidates must declare if they have ever been:

• The subject of an investigation into an allegation of GBV
• The subject of a substantiated finding relating to GBV during previous employment
• Involved in a legal process relating to an allegation of GBV

b. What counts as Gender-Based Violence (GBV)?
GBV refers to harmful acts directed at someone because of their gender. It includes both physical and non-physical behaviours that cause harm, fear, coercion, or loss of autonomy. Examples include (but are not limited to):

• Sexual harassment or assault
• Domestic or family violence
• Stalking
• Online harassment and image-based abuse

c. What if I’m unsure whether something counts as GBV?
If you’re not sure, the safest approach is to include the information in your declaration. Providing details upfront helps us review the situation fairly and confidentially. Declaring something does not automatically disqualify you from employment — our process is designed to assess context and manage any risks with care and respect.

If you’d like guidance before submitting, you can contact our Pre-employment Checks team confidentially by email - preemploymentchecks@acu.edu.au

3. Process and Confidentiality

a. What happens after submission?
Once you submit your declaration, it is handled with strict confidentiality.

• If you have declared something:
  If you have made a declaration, your information will be stored securely and reviewed only by a member of our ACU’s designated GBV project team. A risk assessment will be conducted, and a delegate from our GBV Taskforce will review the final decision.
• If you have not declared anything:
  Your form is recorded as complete, and no further action is required. 

b. Does declaring something automatically disqualify me from employment?
No. Each case is assessed individually, considering context, outcomes, and any risks to ACU’s community, which is dependent in part on the requirements of the position applied for. Our approach aims to be fair, respectful, and transparent.

c. How will ACU use this information and keep it confidential?
The information is used solely to assess and manage potential risks related to GBV. It is handled with strict confidentiality and in accordance with privacy laws.

4. Completing your Declaration

a. What if I don’t have anything to declare? Do I still need to complete a declaration?
Even if you have nothing to declare, you must complete the form. This confirms you have reviewed the requirements and ensures compliance with the National Code.

5. Failure to make a Declaration

a. What if I do not wish to make a Declaration?
Making a declaration is a mandatory part of ACU’s pre-employment checks process. A failure to provide this information means that an employment offer will not be able to go ahead.

b. What if I make a false Declaration?
If ACU determines that a false declaration has been made or required information was withheld after employment begins, this will likely result in a misconduct process in accordance with your employment contract.

6. Who to Contact

a. Who can I contact if I have questions or need help?
If you have any questions or need support, please contact preemploymentchecks@acu.edu.au