LGBT at the University

The LGBT Staff Network enables LGBT staff to come together to share information, support and, by signalling a LGBT presence on campus, to ensure we maintain a comfortable and fully inclusive environment in which we can each reach our full potential without fear of discrimination.

The Network meets regularly on a formal and social basis, and actively works with the University to develop initiatives and plan future action to enhance the presence of our LGBT community.

During Autumn 2012, current students and members of staff at the University came together to create an inspiring and heart-felt short film about their experiences of being LGBT here at Sheffield.

The film was launched at an event in February 2013 attended by staff, students and external guests. This was opened by the Vice Chancellor and contained a key-note speech from Simon Fanshawe, co-founder of Stonewall.

The University sponsored Sheffield Pride 2013, which took place on 6th July in Barkers Pool and Devonshire Green. Members of the LGBT Staff Network and LGBT Student Committee ran stalls in the Devonshire Green area. This is the 4th consecutive year that we have sponsored Pride; see here for details of Pride 2012.

Allowed Out was an event held in October 2012 featuring Sheffield's first gay choir, Out Aloud. This event featured inspirational stories from many choir members as well as those in the wider LGBT community.

To be the strongest University we can be, we need to attract, grow and engage with talented people from many different backgrounds and lifestyles, and support and develop them to reach their full potential. Our University is one where openness is not only possible, but is welcomed as a central part of who we are as an institution.

To find out how, see our Equality data monitoring pages.

The University has many inclusive policies and avenues of support for both staff and students. For staff, some of these are Work-life balance, Paternity/Partner leave, Parental Leave and Adoption Leave. There is a also a Personal Harassment Network which is available for all staff on a confidential basis.

There are specific LGBT resources on the webpages including information on coming out, the Bullying and Harassment Network and the LGBT Student Committee.

Also see our information on external support in the city of Sheffield.

1) The University has retained its 9/10 ranking in the Gay by Degree University Guide. The Guide scores Universities against a 10 point checklist according to their support for LGBT students.

2) The LGBT Staff Network and LGBT Student Committee held a consultation exercise on Thursday May 16th, which provided an opportunity for LGBT staff and students across the University to help us action plan for the coming year. This was well attended and gave us valuable ideas for future LGBT work.