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Diversity and equality networks

Our diversity networks help to support and promote diversity and inclusion at 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

The logo for the B.A.M.E. staff network at the ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø. The B, for black, is in blue with 'Black' written inside. The A for Asian is in orange, with the word Asian written inside. The M for minority is in light green and the word minority is written inside, and the letter E for ethnic is pink, with the word Ethnic written inside.

We are a network of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic colleagues at the University. Our group was setup in 2020 and since then we continue to drive change for the better. Together we form valued connections, turn aims into actions, and foster a supportive, culturally-inclusive community. As a friendly and welcoming group, we aim to offer a safe space to all BAME colleagues, including postgraduate doctoral students and allies.
We contribute to a variety of race equality initiatives and activities. We seek to provide an informal social hub, organising and hosting a range of events where we provide a platform for celebrating BAME achievements, amplifying BAME voices, and offering learning opportunities for all. We take time to raise awareness for staff-led topics of interest and we make space for all to share their lived experiences. As an active network we prioritise positive change-making at the University and as key contributors to policy-making, we are consulted on organisational-level projects, including the  and the successful Bronze Race Equality Charter Mark Award. We also work very closely with the other staff networks and external groups (charities, HEIs, and organisations), championing intersectionality and collective activism. 

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?

  • Join the network as a BAME member, connect via 
  • 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.
  • Add yourself to our mailing list for events & network updates: 
  • Watch our previous event recordings: 
  • For general queries, feel free to contact us at bame.network@reading.ac.uk 

 

LGBTQIA+ Network

 

the LGBTQIA+ staff network logo which contains a the progress pride flag in a circle on the left and the text 'LGBTQIA+ staff network' on the right 

 

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+