New networking group aims to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation

Imperial 600 launched to promote good practice and network with lesbian, gay and bisexual staff - News

Tuesday 27 January 2009
By Naomi Weston

Influencing good practice in respect of sexual orientation in the workplace is the aim of Imperial 600, Imperial College London’s newly relaunched Sexual Orientation Equality Committee.

Imperial 600 was officially launched this month and is working towards eliminating discrimination and promoting equal opportunities at work. The name reflects the estimation that lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people make up around ten per cent of the UK population, which would equal 600 of Imperial’s 6,000 staff.

The Committee was first set up in 2006 and has been renamed this year to raise awareness of its activities and recruit more members.

One of the first steps the group will be taking is to set up a mentoring programme enabling LGB staff to be mentored by trained Imperial 600 members. Mentoring Minorities training sessions have been set up by Imperial 600 to increase the knowledge and understanding of its mentors on issues affecting those in minority groups, for example race, gender and disabilities.

The launch event was hosted by Christine Yates, the College’s Equality and Diversity Consultant. She said: “This group is made up of academics, researchers, professional and support staff committed to achieving full inclusion in all College functions. The group identifies where policies need strengthening or communications improved, as well as having fun through the frequent social networking opportunities.”

In addition to influencing policy work and attending social events, the group works closely with the Imperial College Union’s active Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual society through sharing resources and experience and by joint participation at meetings and events.

Imperial’s Rector Sir Roy Anderson opened the afternoon’s event. He said: “We are a large and diverse community, home to people of all backgrounds and lifestyles. I hope the establishment of this group will make it clear that Imperial is determined to be a place where equality is guaranteed. I am proud that Imperial, led by Imperial 600, is being proactive in promoting a culture of inclusion and openness. Imperial is all about people and we choose them on ability and experience only.”

Sir Roy Anderson opened the afternoon’s event

Wendy Wilde from the Department of Life Sciences is a member of Imperial 600 and attended the launch. She said: “Workplace policy and social groups like Imperial 600 are crucial to the LGB community at large which has greatly evolved over the past 20 years. Though the LGB population is fuelled by diversifying choices, growing visibility and growing acceptance there is still work to do to ensure that we have the same choices and access to opportunities. By becoming a mentor or simply joining Imperial 600 you can begin to make a positive difference to LGB staff and the working environment.”

Rob Millwood works in Research Services on the Hammersmith Campus and is also a member of Imperial 600. At the launch event he said: “I joined Imperial 600 in April 2008. Employee stakeholder groups for representation are vital to ensure that an employer is aware of the needs of its staff. By being a representative member of Imperial 600 I can help ensure view points are heard regarding LGB issues, by LGB people. By widening membership my hope is that Imperial 600 will create greater representation of the views and concerns of its LGB staff. Every member of Imperial 600 has a voice and Imperial wants to listen.”

Imperial College became a Stonewall Diversity Champion in 2005 and regularly makes a submission to the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, which showcases Britain’s top employers for gay staff. The College is working towards becoming one of the first universities to enter the Index of the top 100 employers.

Madeline Lasko from Stonewall spoke at the event and outlined what Imperial can do to support LGB staff and the steps needed to enter the Workplace Equality Index. Her main action points for the College included ensuring all policies and procedures are inclusive, identify a senior member of staff to act as a champion for the group, communicate and engage with all staff on LGB issues and develop a networking group. The College has been working on these over the last three years.

In addition, Stephen Austin, an equalities specialist from the British Dietetic Association, gave a talk on the importance of LGB networks.

The launch event was followed by a question and answer session and a drinks reception. For more information on Imperial 600 please visit www3.imperial.ac.uk/hr/equality/sexualorientation/imperial600

To View the College’s Equal Opportunities Policy please visit www3.imperial.ac.uk/hr/procedures/equalitypolicies/equalopps

To sign up to the Imperial 600 mailing list please visit: https://mailman.ic.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/lgbt-list