The University has several departments which provide specific services to staff, and each of these departments have affirmed their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion below. This page also contains links to further information about the services on offer, and we encourage all Rainbow Network members to make use of the services that would be beneficial to them.
If you want to find information about starting a family and family leave, visit HR's Family Friendly page.
POD
People and Organisational Development (POD) run a variety of training courses for staff, including several Leadership Programmes.
Kate Crane
Assistant Director HR, People and Organisational Development (POD)
“The team at People and Organisational Development are committed to helping all staff at the University to succeed and fulfil their potential, and LGBTQ staff are warmly encouraged to attend our training courses and find out how we can support their professional development.
Several courses that POD facilitate reflect our support of Equality and Diversity, including Unconscious Bias and Recruitment & Selection. All staff are also expected to complete an online ‘Diversity in the Workplace’ training course which includes sections about LGBTQ+ staff.
The University is strengthened by having diversity at all levels of the organisation, which is why we encourage LGBTQ+ staff to enrol on our various Leadership programmes and gain the confidence and skills to successfully progress through their career.”
POD also run an Aditi Leadership Programme aimed at BAME staff.
UBSport
UBSport oversee the sport and exercise clubs and classes on offer to staff, students, and the wider community. They are responsible for the University Sports and Fitness centre, which has suitable facilities for LGBTQ+ staff and a welcoming environment for all of its members.
Zena Wooldridge
Director of Sport
“UBSport is a welcoming and supportive environment for all LGBTQ staff, students and community. It is important to us to support everyone in their pursuit of a healthy lifestyle across the whole range of sport and fitness opportunities on offer. Our staff are actively engaged in ongoing diversity training. This includes training in using appropriate language and in not making assumptions about gender identity or sexual orientation when addressing groups or individuals. Our sport and fitness centre has gender neutral changing and toilets throughout.”
Wellbeing Services
Wellbeing Services offer various types of support to staff and students, including confidential advice and occupational health provision.
Jean Harris
Employee Adviser, Workplace Wellbeing
“The Wellbeing Services (WS) includes the internal provisions of Employee Advice & Listening Service, Disability Advice Service, Harassment Advice Service and Mediation Service, Occupational Health, and external provisions of Citizens’ Advice and counselling through Workplace Wellness.
LGBTQ service users are welcomed, and our aim is to treat all service users with respect and dignity irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, religion & belief and sexual orientation. WS are committed to providing services free from discrimination, bullying, harassment and victimisation.
WS supports LGBTQ service users by liaising with the staff Rainbow Network to ensure our advisers have relevant training and understanding, and where possible have colleagues who identify with the LGBTQ community.”
Harassment Advice Service
If you are experiencing discrimination or bullying due to your LGBTQ+ identity, you can contact the University Harassment Advice Service who can discuss the issue with you and inform you of any informal or formal ways in which it can be addressed.
Antony Jones
Head of Infrastructure and Facilities, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
“I first began working at the University as a Technician in 1988 and progressed into senior management by grasping new opportunities, including becoming the Scientific Facilities Manager and Operations Manager in the College of Life and Environmental Sciences. I am heavily involved in technical staff development reviews and am always keen to support technical and professional services staff development.
My role has expanded across the University to support University Senior Management regarding submitted grant applications for the purchase of capital equipment seeking match funding. I currently provide infrastructure support, maintenance and management of research equipment to ensure efficient support for researchers within the college of EPS. This includes a high degree of management and professional administration for the college including the management of technical staff, facilities, health and safety, and technology platforms.
I have been a Bullying and Harassment Adviser at the University for twenty years which I find extremely rewarding by supporting staff and students in challenging situations. This naturally evolved into becoming a qualified Workplace Mediator which has enabled me to understand and resolve difficult situations including supporting LGBT staff and students.”