UNSW Policy Hub
News
Find out here which policies have been transformed at UNSW.
The draft Higher Degree Research (HDR) Policy is open for community feedback until 6 March 2026.
The policy aims to uphold UNSW’s commitment to delivering HDR programs that foster research excellence and prepare candidates to become research leaders.
The draft outlines expectations and requirements for everyone involved in HDR programs, to ensure candidates have an outstanding research training experience at UNSW.
This policy has been developed through sector-wide benchmarking and consultation with responsible officers, policy leads, key stakeholders and subject-matter experts.
This draft has been developed by the Pro Vice-Chancellor Research Training and Dean of Graduate Research and reviewed by the University Higher Degree Research Committee (UHDRC).
The draft consolidates 17 current policy documents.
Check it out on the Drafts for Consultation page and send any feedback to the Graduate Research School (grs@unsw.edu.au).
05/01/2026
We are pleased to announce that the Director of Financial Control and Compliance has approved the publication of a new Accounting Procedure, which aligns with the Finance Policy and is effective from 5 January 2026.
Please note this procedure supersedes the previous Accounting Policy, which has been retired.
For any queries regarding this procedure or the process involved in its development, please contact the Policy team.
About the Policy Transformation Program
The Office of Assurance and Integrity (AANDI) leads the Policy Transformation Program (PTP), with the support of the Chair of the Steering Committee, the Dean of Law & Justice. The project is connected to the following pillars of the UNSW Strategy: Progress for All:
- Pillar 4: Create a culture in which all people are united by purpose and can deliver their best work.
- Pillar 5: Develop inspiring and cutting-edge environments and simple, effective and trust-based systems.
The PTP embodies this through:
- Reducing the policy count and writing in plain language with a focus on users.
- Adopting a trust-based approach to policy design and decision-making.
- Publishing in accessible formats and simplifying complicated processes.
- Removing unnecessary requirements and clarifying roles and responsibilities.
- Consulting widely across the UNSW community and uplifting skills among policy developers.
Visit the PTP SharePoint site for more information about the program.
Explore the updated policies
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The Code of Conduct and Values (the Code) was created in collaboration with students and staff across the University, with a focus on providing clear parameters for respectful conduct. The Code is our overarching policy document that sets out our values and addresses our legislative obligations. We each have the power to make a positive difference in the way that we choose to respond when unforeseen circumstances arise. The new Code can support us to navigate complex circumstances.
Principles:
1: We are an inclusive UNSW community where everyone belongs
3: We act with integrity, honesty and trust
4: We act responsibly and professionally
5: We act lawfully and comply with this Code, policy documents and regulation
The Code of Conduct and Values is effective from 17 May 2024.The Code of Conduct and Values replaced four codes of conduct:
- Code of Conduct
- Student Code of Conduct
- Research Code of Conduct
- Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech Code of Conduct.
The Code of Conduct and Values adopts industry codes to maintain currency including the:
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The new Delegations Policy is effective from 1 January 2025. Schedules for each area of activity support the policy.
It has been designed as a comprehensive reference to enhance clarity, build trust and enable efficiency in decision-making across the University.
The policy outlines:
- Specific functions performed by delegated authorities.
- University Council’s functions and delegations under the University of New South Wales Act 1989 (NSW).
- Guidelines for exercising authorisation under other legislation.
- Requirements for altering delegations and authorisations.
This policy replaces:
If you have any links to the retired delegations of authority, please change these to link to the Delegations Policy and schedules on the Policy Hub.
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UNSW is trusted with public and private funds to fulfil its vision to improve lives globally, through innovative research, transformative education and a commitment to a just society.
This policy:- states the UNSW principles and objectives for expenditure and financial management
- allocates financial authority and responsibilities
- defines expected standards for expenditure and financial management, and
- states procedural requirements for each type of expenditure and financial activity.
UNSW has a new Finance Policy.
This policy has replaced:
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The new Information Governance Policy is effective from 1 February 2025.
The purpose of this policy is to:
- provide a comprehensive set of enterprise-wide principles and procedures for the (i) governance and management of data, information and records, and (ii) use of UNSW information resources, digital communication platforms/technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) systems or tools
- ensure UNSW complies with applicable laws, standards, codes, guidelines, ethics approvals and contractual obligations in relation to information governance.
Principles
- Data governance and management
- Records and information management
- Privacy
- Data breaches
- Use of UNSW information resources and digital communication platforms/technologies
- Use of AI systems or tools
Procedures
Section 1: Data Governance and Management
Section 2: Records and Information Management
Section 3: Privacy
Section 4: Data Breach Procedure
Section 5: Use of Information Resources and Digital Communications Platforms
Section 6: Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems or Tools Procedure -
The new Risk and Compliance Policy is effective from 1 June 2024.
This policy states the principles and requirements to manage UNSW’s
- risk management practices in its operations, activities, governance and decision-making
- legislative compliance obligations
- third-party arrangements (including commercial activities).