Could you be the LGBTQ+ Network's new Chair or Co-Chair?

The University of Cambridge LGBTQ+ Network is seeking a Chair or Co-Chair to take over when the current Chair leaves at the start of July 2024 after over four years in the role.

This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to help promote an inclusive working environment for all staff through the network’s three pillars of Advocacy, Community and Collaboration.

Responsibilities include:

• chairing network committee meetings
• acting as a spokesperson and advocate for the staff LGBTQ+ community
• overseeing the network’s new mentorship scheme for LGBTQ+ staff and any other relevant initiatives
• liaising with the central University ED&I section, other staff network Chairs, ED&I champions and student groups to take an intersectional, joined up approach to the empowerment of marginalised groups
• collaborating with the University’s recently appointed LGBTQ+ ED&I consultant to advise on and drive forward the University’s LGBTQ+ strategy
• developing opportunities to celebrate and increase the visibility of the LGBTQ+ staff community
• promoting events relevant to the LGBTQ+ community.

This is a part-time, unpaid role for a two-year term, with possible renewal for one additional term. It would offer a fantastic opportunity for either a senior LGBTQ+ member of staff seeking to use their position to advocate on behalf of the community, or a more junior colleague looking to develop their leadership, networking and negotiation skills considerably enhancing their CV.

The Chair is well-supported by a nine-person committee as well as the University’s dedicated LGBTQ+ ED&I consultant.

About the network

The University of Cambridge LGBTQ+ Network exists to foster an inclusive working environment that celebrates and empowers LGBTQ+ individuals across the collegiate University and its affiliate partner institutions.

The Network welcomes individuals of minority sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, as well as their allies.

The Network's purpose is to:

• empower and celebrate all LGBTQ+ individuals across the collegiate University
• advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion and a better working environment for all
• provide a sense of community and support
• foster collaboration with EDI partners, staff networks, and student groups.

It has a mailing list which reaches over 500 members of staff, and through events and outreach work connects with a much larger community across the Collegiate University.

In recent years the network has:

• actively promoted a working environment that eliminates discrimination and advances equality of opportunity for LGBTQ+ people through consultation, discussion and influence
• organised speaker events for LGBTQ+ History Month, Pride Month and at the start of each academic year
• marched at London Pride
• been a co-creator of the University’s most extensive review of the experiences of LGBTQ+ staff – Being LGBTQ+ @ Cambridge
• launched a new website
• held monthly drinks meetups, film nights and other social activities.

If you are interested, please email Chair Duncan Astle.