Dr Andy Heath (Chair of the LGBT Staff & Postgraduate Student Network 2011-2012, Chris Edwards (Stonewall Client Manager) and Darren Mooney (Diversity & Equality Officer)
The University has been named within the Top 100 of the UK’s most gay-friendly employers in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.
Liverpool is ranked 58th of 376 organisations in the country, an improvement of 43 places from last year’s survey.
The results place the institution sixth within the higher education sector and fourth within the Russell Group.
Commenting on the news, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience, Professor Kelvin Everest, said: “The University is delighted to be in the top 100 of the Stonewall Equality Index. The improvement in the University’s ranking is a reflection of its commitment to creating an environment and culture where all can thrive, are equally valued and experience equality of opportunity.”
The LGBT Staff & Postgraduate Student Network was also recognised as a ‘Star Performer Network Group’ in recognition of for their contribution to the experience of LGB staff in their organisation and beyond.
Dr Alan Greaves, Chair of LGBT Staff & Postgraduate Student Network, said: “We’re thrilled to receive this recognition from Stonewall. The network has worked tirelessly to improve equality and raise awareness of the issues affecting lesbian, gay and bisexual community. It is a huge honour to our LGBT network.”
The network launched its popular flagship public lecture series in 2011. The next event ‘Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got.’ takes place on 27 February. Reading from his autobiographical novel, John Sam Jones will describe his experiences of aversion therapy in the 1960’s and 70’s.
Through the network, the University has increased its engagement with the local LGBT Community by supporting World Aids Day, sponsoring IDAHO50 and participating in the Liverpool Pride Parade.
The workplace equality index reviews the University activity in a number of key areas, including employee policies, staff engagement, learning, development and support and external and community engagement.
Almost 9,000 lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) staff across all sectors completed the surveys.
Dear Yann, I am afraid I cannot comment on any complaint investigations or their outcome for confidential reasons as I am sure you can understand. However, if you would like to find out more about the work undertaken by the University as part of the Stonewall Diversity Champions programme you are more than welcome to attend the University’s Equality Forum or sign up to the Equality News Letter. We are also hoping to hold a open feedback meeting on the results of the WEI2013 results which you would be more than welcome to attend. If you are interested in any of these things please email darren.mooney@liv.ac.uk
This news seems both surprising and incongruous, coming in the wake of news that, even in an environment of academic enlightenment, homophobia has a poisonous presence within the student body at the halls of residence. What is more concerning is that, even after police investigation, the students in question appear to remain enrolled.
http://liverpool.tab.co.uk/2013/01/14/homophobia-on-campus/
Of course, the actions of a small minority do not reflect the ethos of this institution, but every student is, effectively, representing the university in the world at large. However, if equality and a professed commitment to upholding the intrinsic rights of each student are so important (and newsworthy – a source of pride), why have the students not been suspended or expelled? Should they not serve as an example to others that homophobia is not to be tolerated?
Dear Yann,
The University will not tolerate any form of bullying or harassment and appropriate disciplinary action is taken against any individuals found engaging in such behaviour.
We are committed to ensuring that all members of our University community feel safe and supported and that we work together to foster an environment built on respect for everyone.
Regards,
Heather Knight
Director of Student Administration and Support
Hi Mark,
The event venue is still to be confirmed. If you are interested in attending please email me at sallyjm@liv.ac.uk to book a place. I’ll be in touch with venue details as soon as possible.
The next event ‘Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got.’ takes place on 27 February. Reading from his autobiographical novel, John Sam Jones will describe his experiences of aversion therapy in the 1960’s and 70’s.
Where is this event?
Well done,How far things have come.
UNISON are having our first NLGBT
conference in November the first time
for our city. WELCOME ALL.