Information on the terms of reference for, and and members of, the LGBTQ+ Equality Steering Group (LESG)
The Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Equality Steering Group (Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê LESG) has its origins in a staff network set up in 2009. That network, Out@Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê was established to allow staff who identified as LGBTQ+ to meet others within the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê community with an aim to make LGBTQ+ equality a reality at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê. Ìý
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A formalised steering committee; Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê's LGBTQ+ Equality steering Group is open to all lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer staff and those interested in promoting LGBTQ+ equality at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê. LESG steers the Out@Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê network of around 600 LGBTQ+ staff and supporters, as well as championing LGBTQ+ equalities within the university more broadly.Ìý
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Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê has previously been awarded a top 100 national ranking place by Stonewall for its support of LGBTQ+ staff and this includes the efforts of OUT@Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê members in increasing visibility, understanding of LGBTQ+ identities and supporter actions for staff equality. These have included direct SMT support for Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê’s presence at London, Black and Trans pride annual events as well as being an advisory resource for policies affecting LGBTQ+ staff and their families.
The Steering Group will:
- Promote positive attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people and raise the profile of LGBTQ+ equality across the university
- Promote recognition and awareness of discrimination facing LGBTQ+ staff and address any inequalities locally and internationally
- Ensure issues of sexual orientation and gender identity are integrated into the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and report on progress to the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Equality Diversity and Inclusion Committee (EDC) and other relevant Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê committees and groups, as necessary
- Consider the impact of legislation on Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê policies, procedures and practices as they relate to issues of sexual orientation and gender identity, both in the UK and internationally
- Identify any employment issues, policies, or practices that adversely affect LGBTQ+ staff and highlight to relevant bodies
- Liaise with other universities with a view to sharing resources and/or ideas regarding issues of sexual orientation and gender identity
- Act as an advisory body to Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê on issues of sexual orientation and gender identity and work with Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê to promote best practice for supporting LGBTQ+ staff and students working internationally.
Members of LESG are happy to speak to members of the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê community who would like informal advice or support.
Full Terms of Reference
For more information about membership and expectations of members, the group activities,Ìýthe responsibilities of the co-chairs and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team in supporting the group, please see the document below.