University runner-up in Public Sector Equality PinkNews Award

03 Dec 2020

The Public Sector Equality Award at the PinkNews Awards 2020 celebrates the bodies who have made efforts to pursue LGBT+ equality in their workplaces and in their communities

All of the nominees for this year’s award showed their dedication and commitment to making their workplaces and communities welcoming environments for LGBT+ people.

Our University has promoted LGBT+ inclusion through its staff group ALLOUT, its largest network group with almost 250 members.The group hosts events and activities throughout the year based around LGBT+ History Month; International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia; Pride; Bi Visibility Day and Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR). 

In addition, the University set up an Allies group in 2016 which has 213 members, with each members receiving training and materials to show that they care about the LGBT+ community. We've also worked to ensure there are adequate counselling supports for LGBT+ students and making sport on campus fully inclusive.

PinkNews said: "We are truly grateful to have been given the opportunity to learn about all of the incredible things that The University of Manchester is doing in support of the LGBT+ community.

"It has been incredibly inspiring to see your dedication to diversity and inclusion initiatives, and the phenomenal energy you put behind all your projects!"

Patrick Johnson, our University's Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion said: "We are incredibly proud to have been shortlisted for the Public Sector Equality Award.  It is always fantastic to receive external recognition for the work we are doing for LGBT+ equality at our University.

"I would especially like to thank Paul Marks-Jones and the ALLOUT staff network for their continued commitment, enthusiasm and support."