Reading is a Stonewall Diversity Champion
Thursday, 13 February 2014
The University is proud to announce that it has joined Stonewall, Britain's good practice employers' forum on sexual orientation. Our membership of the programme builds on both the proud history of the University supporting sexuality equality and our research strengths on Rights and Representation, and reinforces the University Value for Working Together to respect the rights, differences and dignity of all those who study, work and lead within our community.
Stonewall works for equality and justice for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals, and the Diversity Champion programme provides employers with access to a range of support and resources including:
- One to one advice from Stonewall's Workplace Team;
- Performance benchmarking via the Workplace Equality Index;
- Good practice seminars;
- Exclusive entry to Stonewall's Starting Out Career's Guide; and
- Use of the Stonewall Diversity Champion logo on relevant communications and publications.
Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell said: "We strive to ensure that the University of Reading is a great place to work and we want to demonstrate that everyone here, whatever their sexual orientation, has the opportunity to thrive and develop. Our commitment to Stonewall is another way in which we signal our commitment to equality and diversity. At the same time, it signals our relentless ambition to be, even more, an employer of choice in the future."
Joining the Diversity Champions Programme is just the beginning of a conversation to explore how comfortable our staff feel being themselves at work and what further support the University should provide.
Any member of staff who is interested in being involved in this conversation is invited to attend a discussion with Stonewall on Tuesday 25 March, 12-2pm in Philip Lyle G72. There is no need to book in advance, although it would be helpful if you could register your interest.
To register interest in being involved in this conversation, or for further information, please contact equalityanddiversity@reading.ac.uk. Further information about Stonewall can be found by visiting www.stonewall.org.uk