Advisory · Higher Education
Supporting universities to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
The National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025 sets a higher, enforceable standard. Compliance is a funding condition — we help you meet it.
Scope a readiness assessmentCulture Plus method
Behaviour-first. Evidence-based. Built to last.
Whole-of-organisation approach
A coordinated, trauma-informed approach to prevention and response.
Gender-based violence (GBV) in higher education requires more than policy. The National Code introduces seven mandatory standards requiring higher education providers to adopt a whole-of-organisation, trauma-informed and person-centred approach.
Compliance is enforced as a legislative instrument and tied to funding eligibility. For senior leaders, the question is whether current governance structures and response systems meet these heightened regulatory expectations.
"How do we ensure our governance oversight is active, not just passive?"
"Are our reporting systems trusted by students and staff?"
"Do we have the trauma-informed capability to respond effectively?"
The National Code
The seven enforceable standards.
The standards apply across all university environments — learning and working settings, online platforms and student accommodation. Compliance is a funding condition under the Higher Education Support Act 2003.
Governing bodies and senior leaders actively oversee prevention and response, with clear governance structures, resourcing, and oversight of risk and performance.
Endorsed capability partner
Trusted by Australia's peak HR body.
Culture Plus Consulting is proud to design and deliver flagship DEI programmes for the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) — Australia's peak HR professional body — supporting HR leaders and practitioners to build capability for inclusive leadership and organisational change.
Connect with us to explore how evidence-based DEI training can help your organisation build capability, strengthen culture, and deliver meaningful, measurable change.
Common gaps in readiness
Where most institutions fall short.
Institutions beginning readiness assessments now face a tight timeline to identify gaps, build frameworks, reform systems and develop workforce capability before 2026.
Fragmented prevention efforts lacking coordination and a unified framework aligned with best practice.
Underutilised, mistrusted reporting systems that discourage disclosure — without multiple safe and accessible channels.
Passive governance with limited active oversight, lacking meaningful data and evidence-based reporting to councils.
Inadequate oversight of residential colleges and affiliated accommodation providers.
Uneven trauma-informed response capability among frontline staff and inadequate specialist training.
Poor integration across overlapping regulatory frameworks, causing inefficiencies and gaps.
How we support universities
Specialist expertise across prevention, response, and governance.
We help institutions build the frameworks and systems needed to meet the National Code, the Universities Accord and related obligations.
Institutional Impact
Real shifts that matter.
Meet the National Higher Education Code 2025 standards and ensure funding eligibility under HESA 2003. Avoid compliance notices, infringement notices, and civil penalties.
Our methodology
The Practical Capability Model
Every Culture Plus programme is built on the same evidence-based methodology. Hover any step for detail:
Culture Plus
Felicity Menziess
Our team of organisational psychologists and GBV prevention specialists bring behavioral rigour and trauma-informed expertise to every institutional partnership.
Culture Plus
Behaviour-first. Evidence-based. Built to last.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the National Code, answered.
If you have a question we haven't covered, write to us — a real human responds within one working day.
A binding legislative instrument setting seven enforceable standards for preventing and responding to gender-based violence across all university environments.
While you're here
Related services
Respect at Work Training
Behaviour-change training that meets positive duty expectations across the workforce.
Learn more →Trauma-Informed Investigations
Rigorous, procedurally fair investigations that minimise harm to all parties.
Learn more →Active Bystander
Equip your workforce to safely interrupt disrespect, harassment and exclusion in the moment.
Learn more →
Prepare for 2026
Build safer campus communities.
Universities that build genuine, well-governed prevention and response systems will be better prepared for regulatory scrutiny — and create safer, more respectful communities for students and staff.
Discuss your institutional readiness