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Jannine The Open University has recently created a group. The LGBT staff network was created as one of a number of initiatives during LGBT history month in February 2006. The group is still very new and its purpose will evolve based on the expectations and wishes of its members. However, one of the main purposes is to provide a mechanism for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender staff to make contact with each other through an email network. The EO office established the list and advertised it through various channels in February. We have now handed over the management of the list to a member of the group - it was always the intention that it would be self managing. I believe about 40 people have signed up to date and the first meeting of the group is taking place this week. We have also recently established a framework for staff support groups/networks to operate within - the same framework would be used for BME groups, disability groups, etc. This is not yet finalised but will set out what is expected of groups (such as publishing terms of reference and contact details) and what support groups will get back from the OU (which include the ability to apply for small grants, use of facilities, equipment, etc.) I don't see a difficulty in opening a group to wider participation, but I would expect the members of the group to be involved in decision making. Tony Tony O'Shea Policy Officer for Equality and Diversity The Open University Tel. 01908 858073 Email. [log in to unmask] ________________________________ From: HE Administrators equal opportunities list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Williams, Jannine Sent: 20 March 2006 11:14 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Staff LGBT groups and networks Dear colleagues, May I ask if you have a staff LGBT group or network, and if so how it operates, is funded and any benefits you have identified from supporting the group/network? A particular issue I'm interested in is if post graduate students who teach/carry out lab work allowed to join? Best wishes, Jannine Jannine Williams MCIPD Diversity Manager Durham University Diversity Office University Office Room 136 The Cottages Old Elvet Durham DH1 3HP Telephone: 0191 334 6530 Email: [log in to unmask] Website: www.dur.ac.uk/diversity.equality <http://www.dur.ac.uk/diversity.equality/> Durham University: Shaped by the past, creating the future