¹û¶³´«Ã½

The scheme is currently closed while Social Inclusion Governance is under review.

The aim of the scheme is to:

• Ensure new Network members do not have the daunting experience of signing up and then having to arrive to meetings/events unaccompanied.
• Enable new members of staff or existing staff who may not be ‘out’ at work to have an opportunity to meet other members of the LGBTQUA+ community at ¹û¶³´«Ã½.
• Provide members of staff who identify as LGBTQUA+ with someone to talk to and/or accompany to network meetings/events.

Sign up to be a Buddy by completing the form here, or request to be assigned a Buddy by completing the form here.

Buddy Profiles

You can see profiles of some of the people who have volunteered to be Buddies below:

Sam Parr

"Hi, I'm Sam! I've been at ¹û¶³´«Ã½ since 2008, initially as an undergraduate and then postgraduate student, and now as a member of staff for the university and the Students' Union. I'm a co-chair of the LGBTQUA+ Staff Network and a facilitator of the Trans Community Group for trans staff and students. I also chair the Trans & Queer Pedagogies learning circle within WIHEA at the university, and support the work for trans and LGBTQUA+ inclusion at the university."

Fabrizio Alberti

Stephen Soanes

"I first came to ¹û¶³´«Ã½ as an undergraduate in 1998, and came back to do a Master's, PhD and then (because I clearly love it!) to work in professional services. At other times I've also lived in Liverpool, Suffolk and London. My work in Student Recruitment means I get to share more about ¹û¶³´«Ã½ with prospective students, parents and school counsellors across Europe. I am therefore used to talking with people who are new to ¹û¶³´«Ã½, and I often say that the diversity of ¹û¶³´«Ã½'s campus community is one of the things I like most. From first coming out to now being a Co-Chair on the Staff Network, ¹û¶³´«Ã½'s been central to my LGBT life. I'd be glad to offer an informal welcome and chat whether you are an existing member of staff, or a recent joiner."

Izzy Evans

"I started working at ¹û¶³´«Ã½ University in 2017, shortly after relocating to the West Midlands. Whether you're new to ¹û¶³´«Ã½ or have been unsure whether to join, we’ll be happy to hear from you. Not knowing many people outside of the University, I've enjoyed making the most of working at ¹û¶³´«Ã½: joining rock up and play badminton sessions, taking a German language class and becoming co-chair of the LGBT+ network. I'm open to trying new activities and look forward to any suggestions which could help revitalise the network, whether it's board games or reading clubs, coffee or sport..."