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
Diversity Office
University Office
Room 136 The Cottages
Old Elvet
DH1 3HP
Telephone: 0191 334 6530
Email: [log in to unmask]
Website: www.dur.ac.uk/diversity.equality