RespectX is tackling one of the most persistent challenges in modern workplaces and education institutions: bullying, harassment and discrimination.
Founded by Sally Calder and Shey Newitt, RespectX is a simple, app-like platform that enables people to report issues quickly and safely.
“It’s easier for people to speak up and for organisations to respond, ultimately reducing bad behaviour and increasing safety, respect and trust,” Sally says.
Early reporting decreases bad behaviour
“Despite one in three Australians experiencing bullying, harassment, assault or discrimination at work, only 17 per cent report it,” Sally explains. “Investigations can be traumatic and complex, so we believed a simple reporting tool could be the catalyst to change.”
That simplicity is delivering results. Around 35,000 students in Australian university student accommodation now use RespectX, and in just 12 months, discrimination has dropped 34 per cent, bullying 32 per cent and sexual harassment 30 per cent.
Reporting rates have also transformed. Where only 8 per cent of students previously said they would report misconduct, that number has jumped to 97 per cent with RespectX in place.
Simplicity drives adoption
RespectX’s success lies in its simplicity. Users can submit an informal, anonymous report (the preferred option for 80 per cent of users) in as little as 20 seconds. This enables earlier intervention before issues escalate.
As Sally says, it helps “nip bad behaviour in the bud before people reach breaking point.”
For HR, safety and wellbeing teams, RespectX also removes uncertainty. Built-in workflows aligned with Australian workplace legislation and higher education regulation guide responses, ensuring complaints are handled correctly and with care.
Protection mindset
For Sally, the mission is deeply personal. “Protecting others is a compulsion of mine,” she says.
Her early career in child protection, followed by her role as a National Lead Partner for Culture, Diversity and Inclusion at KPMG (where she worked with co-founder Shey Newitt) shaped her commitment to safer environments where everyone can do and be their best.
A community of supporters
Launching RespectX at age 60 required courage. “It was scary. I took a leap of faith,” Sally reveals.
At Stone & Chalk, she found a community of like-minded people and mentors. “You realise you’re not alone. People are constantly telling you what you’re doing matters.”
“You shouldn’t have to fight to survive at work or at uni,” Sally emphasises. “We know that RespectX is mobilising a generation of people who want to solve this problem.”
To find out more about RespectX, visit respectx.com.au/.
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