Governance and accountability

Governance

Notre Dame’s approach to building a respectful community relies on a range of coordinated actions designed to embed cultural change, address the drivers of gender-based violence, increase understanding of disrespectful behaviours and promote a culture of reporting and seeking support.

This work is led by the Gender-based Violence (GBV) Steering Committee, which comprises members from across the university. The Committee is responsible for implementing the actions outlined in the University’s Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Plan and for tracking and reporting progress. It also receives and considers feedback, lived-experience insights and data to inform ongoing improvement. To ensure accountability and transparency, the Committee will provide regular updates to both employees and students.

Policies and Procedures

Access all governance documents related to Health, Safety and Wellbeing through the policy portal.

Accountability

Reporting requirements

In accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence, the University must report to the Higher Education Gender-based Violence Regulator (GBV Regulator) every six months. This includes providing de-identified data on disclosures and reports for the same period.

The Gender-based Violence (GBV) Steering Committee leads this work. Its responsibilities include:

  • Implementing actions outlined in the University’s Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Plan.
  • Tracking and reporting progress.
  • Considering feedback, lived-experience insights and data to drive continuous improvement.
  • Providing regular updates to employees and students to ensure accountability and transparency.

The Committee works closely with Respect Officers and Respect@Work Officers to collect the information required for reporting. This process enables the GBV Regulator to monitor the University’s commitment to the Plan and assess the impact of actions through measurable outcomes.

Internally, the GBV Steering Committee will publish an annual report, detailing progress, how feedback has informed improvements and highlighting key initiatives that strengthen our culture of respect.

Access to the information provided in the report

Our disclosure and reporting portal and internal reporting are hosted on secure platforms and access-restricted:

  • If you make a disclosure, your information is accessible only to University Respect Officers.
  • If you make a formal report, your information is accessible only to University Respect Officers and the relevant investigation officers or bodies.

All information provided to the GBV Steering Committee, GBV Regulator and included in reports is de-identified to protect privacy and confidentiality.

Feedback and continuous improvement

Help us promote a safe and inclusive community

All members of the Notre Dame community are encouraged to get involved with this initiative, take part in training, engagement and awareness programs, and contribute to creating a safer, more respectful, and inclusive environment.

All forms can be submitted anonymously. Please visit the Confidentiality to learn how your information is handled.