Diversity and equality networks
Our diversity networks help to support and promote diversity and inclusion at ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø.
- BAME Network
- LGBTQIA+ Network
- Parent and Family Network
- Staff Disability Plus Network
- Women@ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø
Professional Development Networks
If you are interested in starting a new network, contact the Diversity Team.
Diversity and Inclusion Staff Networks
Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Network
Our team
With the help of our co-chairs AleiahPotter (Marketing, Communication & Engagement) and Hong Yang (School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science), alongside our steering committee members, executive board Race Equality Champion Robert Van De Noort (Vice-Chancellor), D&I team and many other volunteers, we're able to advocate for staff, signpost information, and offer informal peer support. If you think you could volunteer some of your time or expertise, please get in touch!
How can you get involved?
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Join the network as a BAME member, connect via
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Support as an Ally, simply write to us at bame.network@reading.ac.uk. We have also put together to get you started on your BAME Ally journey.
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Add yourself to our mailing list for events & network updates:
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Watch our previous event recordings:
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For general queries, feel free to contact us at bame.network@reading.ac.uk
LGBTQIA+ Network

Launched in 2014, LGBTQIA+ is an inclusive staff support network for individuals identifying as Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans and/or: other sexual and gender identities, such as asexual, non-binary, intersex or any others. This includes LGBTQIA+ people with multiple identities and covers all staff and PGR students based anywhere in the UK or Malaysia. The Network is supported by LGBTQIA+ Allies who are led by Michael Kilmister.
Our network has a social and representative function, ensuring that new and established members of staff and PGR students across the University feel supported by a visible and informal staff network.
The chair Ruvi Ziegler works closely with the Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor Diversity and Inclusion and the Diversity and Inclusion Advisor.
We host a series of annual events for colleagues who identify as LGBTQIA+ and are involved in events for non-LGBTQIA+ colleagues which aim to raise awareness of issues affecting the community. We are inclusive of people with multiple identities and work with other staff diversity networks to collaborate on areas such as gender, race and disability.
We also work with the Harassment Peer Support Network to provide support and advice to staff who experience homophobic, biphobic or transphobic incidents. We wish to encourage a working environment where colleagues and PGR students can feel safe and confident to be themselves and perform to the best of their ability within the organisation. If you want to speak to a network member about a confidential issue please contact the network chair.
Our activities contribute to ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø's ambition to embed equality and diversity across the University, and we welcome suggestions for events and activities at any time. We are fully supported by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Parveen Yaqoob who is the University's Champion for sexual orientation and gender identity.
Become an LGBTQIA+ Ally
One of our most popular initiatives is developing a network of allies across the University. An LGBTQIA+ Ally is someone who doesn't identify as LGBT+