Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 68.44
Liaison William Van Ausdal
Submission Date July 9, 2024

STARS v3.0

Flinders University
PRE-4: Reporting Methodologies

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete N/A
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Narrative outlining the data collection process used in the preparation of this report:

Data collection for this report adhered to the following structured approach:
1.    Identification of Existing Data: We sourced relevant information that had been previously furnished for other reports such as the QS Sustainability, THE Impact Ranking and TEFMA.
2.    Identification of Data Providers: Drawing from past data collection efforts, we compiled an overview of potential data providers. This process often involved referrals to other personnel within the institution. In total, insights were gathered from 58 individuals encompassing academic and professional staff, as well as students, representing a wide range of roles across the entire university.
3.    Communication and engagement: Data providers were initially contacted via email, which included contextual information about STARS along with a questionnaire tailored to their expertise. To streamline data submission, a dedicated spreadsheet was utilised, which referenced the STARS V3.0 technical manual. Subsequent to this initial contact, follow-up communication included phone calls and/or online or in person meetings to ensure clarity and completeness of the data collected.
4.    Quality check: All information provided by data providers was checked by at least one, often two, team members to ensure accuracy and consistency. In some instances (especially in the Engagement category), multiple different examples were assessed based on their fit towards the criteria, as well as clarity of the evidence. In some cases further clarification was requested from data providers. Some provided information was excluded from the submission if the evidence and/or fit were considered to be insufficient. 


List of personnel who led the reporting process:

William van Ausdal - Head of Sustainability
Jikke Adema -Senior Business Analyst (Sustainability)
Julie Huynh - Sustainability Officer 


List of additional personnel who contributed to the reporting process:
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Were students involved in the data collection process?:
Yes

Narrative outlining how students were involved in the data collection process:

Students were involved in the data collection process as data providers. 


Description of the internal data quality controls used in the preparation of this report:

Regarding qualitative data, rigorous fact-checking procedures were applied, as well as checking for adherence to criteria as laid out in the the technical manual. This involved examining all documents, news items, or webpages provided, and requesting additional information as needed to resolve any uncertainties or gaps. Two members of the reporting team conducted these reviews.

For quantitative data, quality control measures were implemented by including multiple staff members from the Data & Analytics team with relevant expertise for each data point, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Subsequently, the reporting team reviewed these findings, e.g. by comparing data provided by the team with data in existing reports like the University's annual report and the pay equity report. 

The entire dataset then underwent comprehensive internal review by the Head of Sustainability to confirm its completeness and validity.

An independent review of the dataset was then conducted by the Senior Business Intelligence & Planning Analyst focussing on accuracy, clarity and adherence to criteria as articulated in the technical manual. The reporting team updated the dataset based on her feedback, which included clarifying points through verbal conversations. The Senior Business Intelligence & Planning Analyst performed a second and final review of the updated dataset just before submission.


Were any independent audits or external assurance processes used in the preparation of this report?:
No

Narrative outlining the independent audits or external assurance processes used in the preparation of this report:
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Notes about the information provided for this credit:
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Additional documentation for this credit:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.