As part of my L5 CIPD HR apprenticeship, I was tasked with developing and implementing a people strategy with a focus on celebrating equality and diversity.

With little scope to do so within my own role, I reached out to the EDI directorate to see if there were any upcoming projects I could get involved with. The response and support I received was brilliant and reflects how collaborative UoM colleagues are.

I chose to get involved with Asexual Awareness Day (AAD). As asexuality and AAD are not something I’m familiar with, I began researching the topic. After gaining a decent understanding of asexuality and the support and resources available for those who identify as asexual, I searched Staffnet and the EDI pages for information on the support UoM offers staff and students.

While EDI has some excellent resources and support networks for LGBTQ+ staff and students, I noticed that there was no support group or resource page specifically for asexuality. I received a positive response from EDI when I raised this – look out for resources in the future!

To gauge an understanding of asexuality awareness within UoM, EDI distributed a survey I put together to the LGBTQ+ network. The survey (anonymously) asked respondents to confirm if they identified as asexual, if they thought the University did enough to support those who identify as asexual, and if they would be interested in forming a focus group which would hopefully lead to the creation of an asexual network group. To date, the response has been impressive, and the creation of a new support group looks promising.

If we can create a safe space for students and staff who identify as asexual or who would like guidance around asexuality and support them to take part in Pride with t-shirts, banners, flags, stickers etc., I’d feel that we’d taken a positive step in supporting UoM’s inclusive and diverse culture.

Heather Lennox  – Employee Relations Coordinator, Directorate of People and Organisational Development

Related