LGBTQ+ Staff Network

University of Cumbria LGBTQ+ Network

#PROUDTOBEUOC

The LGBTQ+ Staff Network was founded in September 2019 and now has over 50 members across our 5 campuses. The network sees colleagues come together every two months to share information, experiences, ideas, and concerns in a safe space that is open for all, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. That includes allies.

The key focus for the network is visibility, education, and the development of a social community on and off-campus.

Get to know more about our network with Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Webster-Henderson.

Network Recognition

LGBTQ&A 2024: Health and Wellbeing

LGBTQ&A was a bespoke collaboration series created by Lancaster University and the University of Cumbria’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) teams and LGBTQ+ Student and Staff Networks. The panel featured:

Ann-Marie Houghton (she/her) (LU), Dean for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

Brian Webster-Henderson (he/him) University of Cumbria Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Benjamin Dalton (he/they) Lancaster University Lecturer in French Studies and Queer Medical Humanities Network Lead

Ali Richards (she/her) University of Cumbria Lecturer Nursing Associate

Angie Illman (they/them) Pears Cumbria School of Medicine (PCSM) Project Manager

Tomi Jackson (he/him) Project Manager at University of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust. Member of the LGBT+ Newtok & Finance EDI Ambassador

Josh Newsham (he/him) Lancaster University LGBTQ+ Student's Union Officer

Watch on YouTube

Collaborative LGBTQ&A: Allyship and Parenting Event 2023

In February 2023 as part of LGBTQ+ history month, the second in the annual collaborative series with Lancaster University was released. You can access the audio recording here, which featured the following panels members:

Ann-Marie Houghton (she/her) (LU), Dean for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI);

Brian Webster-Henderson (he/him) University of Cumbria Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Hannah Rosbrook-Brown (she/they) Lancaster University Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor

Joanne Scott (she/her) University of Cumbria LGBTQ Staff Network EDIW Rep

Victoria Simpson (she/her) Lancaster University LGBTQIA+ Ally Network

Annabelle Robinson (they/them) University of Cumbria Student’s Union Welfare Officer

Josh Newsham (he/him) Lancaster University LGBTQ+ Student's Union Officer

Watch on YouTube

Collaborative LGBTQ&A Panel Event 2022

In February 2022, as part of LGBTQ+ History Month, the University of Cumbria collaborated with Lancaster University for “LGBTQ&A”. This collaborative panel discussion answered questions on policy, support, allyship and LGBTQ+ community questions. The panel featured:

Ann-Marie Houghton (she/her) (LU), Dean for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI);

Joanne Scott (she/her) (UoC), LGBTQ Staff Network EDIW Rep;

Terry Abbott (LU), LGBTQ+ Staff Network Lead;

Molly McConnell (she/they) (UoC), Student’s Union Welfare Officer;

Sophie Schulz (he/she/they) (LU), LGBTQ+ Student's Union Officer;

Lee McDermott (he/him) (UoC), Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Officer and Staff LGBTQ+ Network Co-chair;

Monet Booker (she/they) (LU), LGBTQIA+ Ally Network Lead.

Watch on YouTube

LGBTQ+ History Month 2021

In February 2021, staff and student network members marked LGBTQ+ History Month with a series of videos exploring their personal journeys and experiences. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Webster-Henderson and UCSU Welfare Officer Molly McConnell kicked off the month by introducing both networks, their identities, and how these spaces impact and support them. As part of LGBTQ+ History Month, the University of Cumbria hosted 'A Life Worth Living' in an online collaborative panel discussion.

Watch the Series

Upcoming LGBTQ+ Staff Network Meetings

Meeting dates for the 2024/25 academic year:

Tuesday 3rd September 3:30-4:30pm
Thursday 14th November 12noon-1pm
Monday 13th January 11:30am-12:30pm
Wednesday 12th March 11am-12noon
Monday 12th May 11:30am-12:30pm
Monday 28th July 2-3pm

To join our next meeting and become a member of the LGBTQ+ staff network, please email LGBTQ@cumbria.ac.uk.

LGBTQ+ Staff Network Terms of Reference

Learn more about the LGBTQ+ Staff Network Terms of Reference.

Initially, the Terms of Reference will be reviewed after one year. Following this, the review will take place every two years.

Next Review: May 2025

LGBTQ+ Staff Network Terms of Reference