LGBTQ+ Staff Network

University of Cumbria LGBTQ+ Network

#PROUDTOBEUOC

The LGBTQ+ Staff Network was founded in September 2019 and now has over 50 members across our 5 campuses. The network sees colleagues come together every two months to share information, experiences, ideas, and concerns in a safe space that is open for all, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. That includes allies.

The key focus for the network is visibility, education, and the development of a social community on and off-campus.

Get to know more about our network with Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Health, Environment, and Innovation, Professor Brian Webster-Henderson.

Network Recognition

Collaborative LGBTQ&A Panel Event 2022

In February 2022, as part of LGBTQ+ History Month, the University of Cumbria collaborated with Lancaster University for “LGBTQ&A”. This collaborative panel discussion answered questions on policy, support, allyship and LGBTQ+ community questions. The panel featured:

Ann-Marie Houghton (she/her) (LU), Dean for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI);

Joanne Scott (she/her) (UoC), LGBTQ Staff Network EDIW Rep;

Terry Abbott (LU), LGBTQ+ Staff Network Lead;

Molly McConnell (she/they) (UoC), Student’s Union Welfare Officer;

Sophie Schulz (he/she/they) (LU), LGBTQ+ Student's Union Officer;

Lee McDermott (he/him) (UoC), Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Officer and Staff LGBTQ+ Network Co-chair;

Monet Booker (she/they) (LU), LGBTQIA+ Ally Network Lead.

Watch on YouTube

LGBTQ+ History Month 2021

In February 2021, staff and student network members marked LGBTQ+ History Month with a series of videos exploring their personal journeys and experiences. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Webster-Henderson and UCSU Welfare Officer Molly McConnell kicked off the month by introducing both networks, their identities, and how these spaces impact and support them. As part of LGBTQ+ History Month, the University of Cumbria hosted 'A Life Worth Living' in an online collaborative panel discussion.

Watch the Series

Upcoming LGBTQ+ Staff Network Meetings

Meeting dates for the 2022/23 academic year:

Thursday 1st Sept 12-1pm
Tuesday 1st Nov 2-3pm
Monday 16th Jan 12-1pm
- Welcoming Monet Booker, Terry Abbott and Martine Dawber from Lancaster University discussing "allyship"
Thursday 9th March 2-3pm
- UoC rep talk linked to health
- UCSU rep talk focussing on student LGBTQ+ equality action and campaigns
Monday 15th May 11-12
- UoC rep Daniel Dennis will be "Exploring the Public Sector Equality Duty in schools and the intersection of LGBTQ+ and faith"
Tuesday 11th July 1:30-2:30
- Welcoming Sam Goober, Lis Barlow and Rob Johnson from St Mary's University discussing LGBTQ+ and faith

To join our next meeting and become a member of the LGBTQ+ staff network, please email LGBTQ@cumbria.ac.uk.

LGBTQ+ Staff Network Terms of Reference

Learn more about the LGBTQ+ Staff Network Terms of Reference.

Initially, the Terms of Reference will be reviewed after one year. Following this, the review will take place every two years.

Next Review: May 2022

LGBTQ+ Staff Network Terms of Reference