Congratulations to BeeProud: national recognition for our LGBTQ+ Staff Network
12 Nov 2026
Celebrating a year of growth, visibility and support for LGBTQ+ colleagues
We're celebrating national recognition for BeeProud, our LGBTQ+ Staff Network here at the university, after the network was named a finalist in the Outstanding LGBTQIA Network 2026 category at the Employee Network Awards.
The recognition celebrates a year in which the network has combined community-building with advocacy and increased LGBTQ+ visibility across the University.
BeeProud's activity has included its LGBTQ+ History Month programme, network meetings and informal drop-ins, the Rainbow Lanyard Scheme, and numerous StaffNet articles highlighting different LGBTQ+ identities, experiences and awareness dates. The network also includes TIN-Bee, its dedicated group for trans, intersex and non-binary colleagues.
Its reach has continued to grow. BeeProud reports that membership increased by 10% over the past year, while membership of TIN-Bee grew by 60%.
The work goes beyond visibility. BeeProud provides opportunities for LGBTQ+ colleagues to raise concerns and contribute their experiences to wider institutional discussions, including through listening sessions and engagement with senior leaders.
Patrick Hackett, Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer:
"As senior Sponsor, I am delighted that BeeProud received this recognition. It reflects the work of many colleagues who contribute to the network, attend our activities, share their experiences and help create a LGBTQ+ community across the University"
The BeeProud co-chairs:
“Being shortlisted is something the whole network can take pride in and will spur us on to continue the great work.”
Being selected as a national finalist is an opportunity to recognise those contributions and congratulate everyone who has helped BeeProud develop its work across the University. Congratulations to everybody involved!