Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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LGBTQ+ Equality Group (LGBTQEG)

Current LGBTQEG Priorities

Every 2 years, the University participates in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index (WEI), a benchmarking tool which evaluates our initiatives and helps us better understand the challenges of creating an inclusive working environment for LGBTQ+ employees. This accreditation changed recently to the Proud Employers benchmarking and accreditation tool. 

Following on from the University's engagement in this accreditation, the LGBTQ+ Equality Group meets termly to discuss a range of sexual orientation and gender identity-related issues affecting staff and students at our institution and monitor our LGBTQ+ Equality Action Plan.

The Group is chaired by Professor Martin Siegert, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Cornwall and brings together academic and professional services staff, students and colleagues from the Students' Guild (Devon) and the Students' Union (Cornwall), as well as our LGBTQ+ Staff Networks from both Devon and Cornwall campuses. Previously known as the Sexual Orientation Equality Group (SOEG), the group agreed to change its name to reflect the breadth of work covered in this group. 

Current membership

Role

Name
UEB Level Chair Professor Martin Siegert
Academic representative (HASS) Professor Jana Funke
Academic representative (HASS) Professor Rebecca Langlands
Professional Services representative Rosie Logiudice
UEBS representative Dario Sansone
LGBTQ+ Staff Network (Exeter) representative Dr Eleanor Townsend
Kemeneth (Cornwall LGBTQ+ Staff Network) representative Beth Hall
Student Wellbeing representative Helen Anderson
HR Policy Team representative Emma Hilton
Non-binary representative Caspian Robson
Penryn representative Corrina Lowry
Trade Union representative / Speak Out Guardian Professor Claire Dunlop
LGBTQ+ Student Society representative Zach Smith (or other member of LGBTQ+ Student Society)
SU Pride Society representative TBC
Students' Guild representative (Exeter) TBC
Students' Union representative (Cornwall) TBC
WIC Project Officer Jasper Privett

LGBTQEG has agreed 5 key priorities that we are orienting our actions towards LGBTQ+ equality at the University around. These 5 priorities are:

1. Data Collection and Monitoring

2. Mental Health and Wellbeing

3. Inclusive Policies

4. Allyship and Senior Leadership Engagement

5. Inclusive External Partnerships

These priorities combine input from our Stonewall Workplace Equality Index feedback, and conversation with our other key stakeholders in LGBTQ+ Inclusion, including our staff and student LGBTQ+ Networks and groups.

For more information on these priorities and the actions that come under them, please visit our dedicated LGBTQ+ Action Plan page.