Essex wins place on Guardian University Awards shortlist for advancing staff equality

We’ve won a place on the shortlist for the advancing staff equality category of The Guardian University Awards 2019.

The University of Essex was one of just three universities shortlisted in this category for its efforts to integrate LGBT+ inclusivity into all our work and activities.

Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Karen Bush said: “I’m delighted that our approach to identifying and addressing the challenges faced by our LGBT+ staff has been recognised by being shortlisted for this award.”

The University has moved back into the top 100 of the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index Top 100 and maintained its position after a comprehensive review of its approach to LGBT+ issues.

The multi-layered approach covers all aspects of the employee (and prospective employee) experience with LGBT+ networks closely involved in giving feedback on existing policies and practices to identify improvements.

Outcomes included the establishment of a ‘supporting trans staff’ group, the setting up of our LGBT+ Forum to complement the work of the Essex LGBT Alliance and the LGBT+ Allies group, the development of a Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation workshop for departments and campaigns to improve LGBT+ inclusion in all aspects of the University’s work.

The winners of the Guardian University Awards 2019 will be announced on Wednesday 10 April.