How were the themes for the Parlour Guides to Equitable Practice selected and how will your feedback be used? Your questions answered.

How were the issues covered in the draft guidelines selected?

The preliminary results of the two Parlour surveys, “Where do all the women go?” and “And what about the men?”, were analysed to identify common issues. At the same time a review was made of the international literature on equity and diversity in the architecture profession, plus past research on the Australian context, notably Paula Whitman’s 2005 report Going Places: The Career Progression of Women in the Architecture Profession. The commonly occurring issues were identified and addressed in the draft guidelines. This list is not complete or final, and the feedback process may identify further issues to be addressed.

How will responses be used in developing the guidelines and policy?

We are consulting as widely as possible on the issues facing women and men working in the architecture profession today. We understand that individuals have different experiences, and will have different ideas on how the profession could become more equitable. We will attempt to take account of all the feedback we receive, including divergent views. This may mean a significant rewriting of the draft guidelines. It should be noted, however, that not every recommendation from every respondent will be able to be included.

How will responses be used in the research project?

Any information you provide will not be linked to you personally in the public dissemination of policies or guides. If you agree, information gathered from the comments fields may be reproduced in publications resulting from the feedback process, and passed in dis-identified form to the Australian Institute of Architects. Comments will not be attributed to specific respondents, and no potentially identifying information will be given, unless approved by the individual in follow up discussions.