Lesbian, gay and bisexual equality

Research undertaken by ECU on the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) staff and students in higher education has identified a number of complex issues affecting LGBT staff and students. ECU will be producing a briefing in February 2010 to help the sector take practical steps to address the issues highlighted.

The briefing will signpost existing guidance and include effective practice examples that have been drawn from the higher education sector. The briefing will cover the following areas:

• monitoring for sexual orientation
• developing staff and student networks
• tackling homophobic behaviour 
• raising visibility and commitment to sexual orientation diversity

Throughout 2010 ECU will be researching the most effective steps that HEIs have taken to advance LGB equality. Findings from this work will be released in practical briefings that will assist other HEIs develop their own approaches to LGB equality locally.

About the research

The research on which this project was founded was undertaken by Professor Gill Valentine and Dr Nichola Wood from the University of Leeds, who conducted an analysis of 4205 responses to an online survey disseminated to LGBT staff and students supplemented by qualitative interviews. The research findings were launched in March 2009.

The report shows unequivocally that, while higher education institutions provide a very positive space for many LGBT students, there is a real need for the sector to engage with this equality area and to review how it provides support for, and addresses discrimination against, LGBT staff and students.

The research has identified areas for consideration in respect of teaching and learning, student support, monitoring sexual orientation, staff and student complaints, religion and belief and sexual orientation, and the profile of sexual orientation as an equality area.

The project will continue to be overseen by the steering group responsible for the research exercise. It consists of academics, managers, representatives of the Universities and Colleges Employers Association, Universities UK, trade unions, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Stonewall and the National Union of Students.