Efforts to support and advance inclusion of our LGBTQ+ community have earned the University a Silver Employer Award in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2022.
The rise of more than 100 places in the UK index recognises the wide-ranging work at the University in support of commitments made under the Inclusive theme of Aberdeen 2040.
Examples include:
- Working towards ensuring policies are explicitly inclusive of same-sex couples
- Developing policies on Dignity@Work and Study, to be launched shortly
- Delivery of a trans inclusion policy for staff and students
- Reviewing mental health services to be LGBTQ+ inclusive - the views of LGBTQ community were taken on board during the development of the Staff and Student Wellbeing Strategy
- Enhancing diversity statements in recruitment packs, across a number of equality areas including LGBTQ+, and advertising senior roles within inclusive portals
- Updating and improving Equality, Diversity & Inclusion staff training.
- Communicating and participating in key LGBTQ+ dates such as LGBT History Month (February), International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia (17 May) and Pride Month (June).
- Using online spaces (Yammer, Teams) to support the LGBTQ+ community, especially during the pandemic.
- Enhancing web presence, profiles and resources for the Network Group and wider support for the LGBTQ+ community
- Introducing Rainbow lanyards, ‘welcome’ postcards and allies’ logos
- Launching a Confidential Reporting System for reporting homophobic, biphobic and transphobic incidents
Ian Robotham, Network Co-Chair of the LGBTQ+ Staff and Postgraduate Network said:
“We are proud to have achieved a Silver award in the Stonewall annual Workplace Equality Index and would like to thank everyone who has helped – and is continuing to take steps – to make our University be more inclusive for our LGBTQ+ community.”
Professor Karl Leydecker, Senior Vice-Principal, added:
“Much is being done by our community in support of the four themes of Aberdeen 2040 – Inclusive, Interdisciplinary, International and Sustainable. While we must never be complacent, it’s good to see recognition for work underway on making us even more inclusive.”
Staff can find out more about the Network and sign up to the mailing list via StaffNet.