Flinders University is at the forefront of family friendly practices, reflected in accreditation as a Best Practice Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace (BFW) this year.

The University has been accredited as a BFW by the Australian Breastfeeding Association for ten years, however 2020 marks its first higher level ‘Best Practice’ certification.

Flinders is assessed annually to ensure it has established, embedded and consistently improved breastfeeding standards within its facilities, policy, practice and workplace culture.

Lisa O’Neill, Manager Equal Opportunity and Diversity, is part of the team who have worked tirelessly to make this happen.

Ms O’Neill says: “There has been a small team of dedicated people making sure breastfeeding facilities have stayed on the agenda, including representatives from the Student Council, Midwifery team and Property, Facilities and Development.

“It’s important that staff are well supported during times where they have to balance their family and work life.

“We have embedded a breastfeeding-friendly culture within the workplace and are maintaining a level of awareness throughout Flinders on the ongoing benefits of flexibility for breastfeeding staff.”

BFW Program Manager Carla van Hagen at the Australian Breastfeeding Association said: “We are only too pleased to be able to award the recognition of ‘BFW best practice’ to Flinders University. They have consistently demonstrated outstanding support for breastfeeding staff and have striven to provide the best support to their staff when they return to work after having their baby.

“It is recognised that this can be a challenging time for women and the University is at the forefront of making this transition as straight forward and manageable as possible.”

For more information about Flinders University’s BFW accreditation, please contact equal.opportunity@flinders.edu.au or visit: www.breastfeeding.asn/workplace