UEL recently became one of the latest HEIs (higher education institutions) to sign up to Stonewall's Diversity Champions Programme, designed to promote understanding and good practice around topics of sexual orientation in the workplace. In March 2010, a group of volunteer LGBT staff got together to establish UEL's first LGBT network.
The LGBT Network aims to promote and to celebrate UEL as a diverse inclusive organisation with equal opportunity by eliminating discrimination, providing a focus for policy and informal network support across the entire organisation.
To achieve our aim, the LGBT staff network will seek:
To maintain communications via a website with useful and up-to-date information and events, providing a discussion forum for all staff to raise awareness of and to discuss LGBT and work-related topics.
To enhance cultural awareness and to improve attitude around LGBT topics through regular Cross-campus E-seminars showcasing best practice internally and externally with international high profile speakers from all sectors and community groups.
To assist and where possible to provide staff development workshops on LGBT topics for all staff to enhance and enrich existing training courses.
To lead the university sector in showcasing LGBT-related research at home and abroad.
In the last census of 2005 the UK government quantified the number of Lesbian and Gay people who live in the UK at 3.6 million people, that is around 6% of the population (ref). Yet despite the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 and the wide publicity of LGBT rights in the media, reports continue to show that LGBT people are facing discrimination and homophobic bullying in class rooms and workplaces across the UK (ref1, ref2, ref3, ref4).
Alongside our other diversity groups including BME, the role of the LGBT Network is to support the University to eliminate discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, appearance and transgenderism to promote equal opportunities and inclusive working relations among all staff and students. All members of staff, admin, and students are expected to set good examples and ensure responsibility for ensuring work and study areas are free from unacceptable behaviour. We are here to celebrate the good things we cherish about UEL but we understand that sometimes things can get tough, we are also here to advise and where applicable to help all our staff and students.
© 2010
Joining is free. So join us today and be a member of a growing network where everyone who celebrates diversity is welcomed regardless of their sexual orientation.
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