Equality Staff Networks at Lancaster

The University is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and recognises the necessity of robust support to empower all staff to achieve their full potential and excel in the evolving landscape of Higher Education.

We have several Equality Staff Networks (sometimes referred to as EDI–supported networks) at Lancaster University for staff and students. If you are interested in setting up a new equality network for staff, please contact the EDI team.

We also have several informal networks and affinity groups that staff and students can join, to find out more about these please see our Inclusive Lancaster pages.

For enquiries about student equality forums, please contact Lancaster University Students' Union.

Equality staff networks are essential in supporting staff from various protected characteristic groups, as defined by the Equality Act 2010. These networks assist the University in understanding workplace equality issues, influencing policy, and meeting statutory obligations. They also promote the sharing of experiences, mutual support, and community building through effective collaboration.

Staff are encouraged to engage with equality staff networks, similar to their involvement in various activities within the broader Lancaster community. Managers should promote opportunities for staff to join relevant equality staff networks and support their participation wherever possible. Typically, equality staff networks hold monthly, one-hour meetings and collaborate through MS Teams on an ad hoc basis.

Our Equality Staff Network Framework

The University’s Equality Staff Networks Framework supports the work of existing and new equality staff networks, covering the nine protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of both the networks and the University, including information on establishing new networks, structure, support, resourcing, budget, and responsibilities.

Download the Equality Staff Networks Framework for more details.

For more information on staff networks, please contact the University EDI Team at edi@lancaster.ac.uk

Faculty Networks

Find out what EDI activity is taking place in your faculty and who to contact for more information.

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