Launch of NIHR-wide LGBTQ+ Staff Network
Last year NIHR announced the creation of the NIHR LGBTQ+ Staff Network, the first NIHR-wide staff network. The acronym LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer, with the plus encompassing a number of other identities relating to sexual orientation, gender identity and relationship diversity including, but not limited to; asexual, pansexual, non-binary, intersex and genderfluid.
Over 120 people from across NIHR responded to the request for expressions of interest and over 50 people participated in Discovery Workshops to shape the governance, aims and focus for the Network.
The launch meeting for the Network will be held virtually on 7 February from 11am to 12pm, where the Terms of Reference will be shared and the process of putting together the Network’s Coordinating Committee will be started. If you are interested in attending as well as joining the mailing list for the NIHR LGBTQ+ Staff Network, please complete this short form.
The LGBTQ+ Staff Network is open to all staff working as part of NIHR (such as staff in coordinating centres, LCRN Core Teams, delivery staff in LCRN Partner organisations and staff in NIHR Infrastructure eg. Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) and Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs) who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as any staff who consider themselves friends, family or allies to LGBTQ+ people.
What is the purpose of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network?
The aims and objectives of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network were shaped by a diverse group of people from across the NIHR who shared their thoughts over the last year.
The NIHR LGBTQ+ Staff Network will focus on five areas, informed by input from the membership - peer support and wellbeing; social and community activities; development and training; LGBTQ+ research inclusion and communications and engagement. Some staff may already be part of LGBTQ+ groups or networks at their employing organisations - the focus of the NIHR LGBTQ+ Staff Network would be to support members around their roles and functions, rather than in relation to their employer.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact Roy Ward, Research Inclusion Manager (roy.ward@nihr.ac.uk).
