LGBTQ+ Staff Network

We believe it is really important to have accessible LGBTQ+ contacts and role models within the University. We have specific roles within the network for areas of support, but if you would like general support, or would like to speak to someone else confidentially within the network please write to LGBTQPlusStaff@exeter.ac.uk. This inbox is accessible to a small team of our Coordinators.

If you want to speak to someone specific or on a one-on-one basis, you can book a "drop-in" with any of us or contact us anonymously using our Contact Us page

Where we have roles listed as TBC, this is because we have made it part of our strategy to actively recruit dedicated Coordinators for these positions. The absence of someone formally taking this role does not necessarily mean that there are no Coordinators of this experience/identity, only that this is not their formalised role, and we are looking for someone to take this on.

We are actively recruiting for these vacant positions, as they were highlighted by our members as key priorities and we would love to hear from you if you would like to take on one of these roles.

Some Coordinators also choose to operate ‘without portfolio’, where they have no specific remit that they formally focus on or represent, just want to help out where they can and want to.

We are also happy to hear from you if you would like to get in touch about becoming a Coordinator in any other capacity, including other intersectional representative roles, or being a Coordinator without a portfolio. We can have an informal conversation about this if you are interested. Please email us at LGBTQPlusStaff@exeter.ac.uk or if you are not already a Network member, indicate your interest in becoming a Coordinator on the joining form and someone will get in touch.

We are keen to support new Coordinators and appreciate it might be nerve-wracking! We are happy to offer shadowing opportunities in meetings and check-ins and would be happy to discuss other ways we could support new Coordinators in gaining relevant skills and confidence. 

The Network is open to staff and PGR (Postgraduate - Research) students of all marginalised sexual orientations and gender identities who would like a secure space to fully express their sexual orientation and/or gender without fear of intimidation or harassment. As well as staff, welcome PGR students who may feel themselves more aligned with Staff than the LGBTQ+ Student Society.

We also welcome those who do not identify as LGBTQ+ but would like to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community, are our allies and stand in solidarity with us.

We work alongside the LGBTQ+ Student Societies but remain separate groups and ask that all members be conscientious of not outing other members, even to other LGBTQ+ people or allies outside of the group, including the LGBTQ+ Student Societies.

Even if you do not wish to join the LGBTQ+ Staff Network, you are welcome to get in touch with us with queries or concerns using our shared inbox: LGBTQPlusStaff@exeter.ac.uk or contacting one of us direct (including anonymously) using our drop in and contact pages. 

We run and promote a number of events, including a Coffee/Lunch Meet (running monthly, alternating between online and in person on the Streatham campus), attending and sponsoring local Pride events, and marking awareness and similar days, such as IDAHOBIT, Trans Day of Remembrance, and World AIDS Day. We also run more ad hoc events such as walks, game nights, and speaker events. Most events are open to all (including allies, and those who are not Network members), but some may aim to hold space for specific groups. In these instances, this will be made explicit and clear in the event information, and we are always happy to clarify if you are unsure.

We also work in collaboration with the other Networks, run various training sessions around the University on various aspects of LGBTQ+ inclusion, feed into the Sexual Orientation and Gender Equality Groups as well as attend other equality and inclusivity groups, and consult on relevant initiatives and policies.

The LGBTQ+ Staff Network is organised by a group of volunteer co-ordinators who:

• Organise and run social events and activities
• Provide advice and input into the University's inclusivity agenda, training, policies, and guidelines
• represent the Network at the University's Inclusivity Group
• review survey results that tell us about how we are performing as a LGBT-inclusive workplace, such as the Employee Engagement Survey and Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index
• Support staff who wish to or are going through the complaints process for LGBTQ+ issues or wish to discuss this process and options.
• work with other LGBTQ+ groups outside the University.

If you have any ideas for events or would like to become network co-ordinator, please do get in touch.

Becoming a member will add you to our Teams space, where you are welcome to post and get to know people, suggest meeting up, ask questions, etc. It will also be where events or information get posted and help you stay in the loop of what we are up to. You are also welcome to join and contribute at our open meetings which will be posted in this space.

If you would like to join the LGBTQ+ Staff network as a member, please fill out our joining form HERE. You can also indicate on this form whether you would be interested in becoming a Coordinator but are welcome to change your mind on this at any time. 

Organisations partnered with the University of Exeter need to use this form here (NOT for members of Exeter University staff).

For details of the Cornwall LGBTQ+ Staff Network, please see here.