Review into the treatment of women at the Australian Defence Force ...

Audit findingsStaff induction and trainingThe Joining Instructions for new staff in 2013 incorporate much of the intent of the Review’srecommendations and are a significant improvement on the 2012 Joining Instructions. 69 The 2013Joining Instructions now include:• The Mission and Charter of ADFA• An expanded section on Staff training which includes:»»reference to the ‘opportunity for staff to learn about adolescent instructional technique’»»a requirement to participate in 360 degree feedback Leadership DevelopmentWorkshop and scenario based seminars.• Expectations that staff are familiar with DI(G) PERS 35-3 – Management and Reporting ofUnacceptable Behaviour• Expectations that staff are familiar with the newly developed Instructor’s Code of Conduct(attached as an enclosure)• A strong statement about ADFA’s commitment to equity and diversity, encouragement to jointhe equity and diversity and SOSP networks and the contact name and number of the seniorequity and diversity adviser.These are all consistent with the intent of the Review’s recommendations and the Audit commendsADFA on these improvements.The newly developed Instructor’s Code of Conduct reinforces ADFA’s values and expectations andacknowledges the significant influence instructors have. This is a powerful and well-articulateddocument which was reinforced at many of the staff induction sessions attended by the Audit. TheInstructor’s Code is complemented by an ADFA Undergraduate Trainee Code of Conduct which isalso linked to the ADFA values and outlines the behavioural expectation of trainees. Both these Codesemphasise the value of diversity and inclusiveness. The Audit is of the view that they are a welcomereference for the ADFA learning environment.However, with respect to supplementing initial staff induction with the creation of staff learning groups,the RIT notes that key actions in support of this Recommendation are to ‘gain the services of an expertAI (Appreciative Inquiry) facilitator in partnership with ADFA’ and ‘create staff learning (continuousimprovement) groups to apply Appreciative Inquiry to AMET training. 70 These items are ticked as havingbeen achieved, however, the Audit did not receive evidence to support this conclusion.The Audit team also had the opportunity to attend parts of the 2013 Academy Staff Induction andTraining (ASIT) and Instructor Preparation Courses (IPC). 71 The Audit also conducted a detailedcomparison of the Staff Induction and Instructor Preparation Course schedules for 2012 and 2013.The constraints noted in the ADFA Report are still present, i.e. an expectation that staff will be able toabsorb a large amount of information in a short time, timing and delivery constraints. 72Nevertheless, the Audit recognises that significant effort is being invested in incorporating the intent ofthe Review’s recommendations into staff induction and training. There is an increased focus on drugsand alcohol, residential support, social media and reputation management, disciplinary processes andthe management of international cadets. 73 There are more opportunities for workshops and interactivesessions in 2013 74 and more time devoted to building training skills. 75 There are genuine attempts tomake sessions more relevant to ADFA, more interactive and scenario based, and where relevant, tohighlight gender differences.Audit Report: Review into the Treatment of Women at the Australian Defence Force Academy • 2013 • 59