LGBTQ+ Staff Networks

Monday 25th July, 1pm-2pm

Employee networks can have a significant positive impact on LGBTQ+ people in their workplaces by providing a safe and supportive community for LGBTQ+ workers, as well as raising awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and helping the employer create a more inclusive workplace.

This event is a knowledge-sharing session where the panellists will discuss their experiences of setting up and running staff networks, including successes and lessons learnt. There will be a Q&A section and we are keen to hear from attendees about their own workplace networks.

Speakers

Anna Carlile, Head of the School of Professional Studies, Science and Technology, Goldsmiths University

Cecile Communal joined the British Library in 2018 after working in the music industry for 10 years. She is currently working in the International team of the British Library as International Office Manager. In 2019-2021, she co-chaired the LGBTQ+ Employee Network of the British Library, which aims to share LGBTQ+ stories in the British Library’s collections and to develop a supportive, creative and innovative organisation where everyone is welcome. Since 2021, Cecile is a committee member of the IFLA LGBTQ Users Special Interest Group.

Ella Mitchell is currently the Academic Services Manager at the University of East London. She has been working in academic libraries for over 10 years and previously worked at Imperial College, London, and the University of East London in a variety of roles. Through her work in academic institutions Ella has developed a wide range of experience and this has led to work in support of equality, diversity, and inclusion. She has been Co-chair of the staff LGBTQ+ network at UEL since 2019 with her colleagues Anthony Button and previously Carley Owen. They have worked to reboot the LGBTQ+ staff network at UEL and to engage staff and volunteers from across university and the Office for Institutional Equity. Outside of work Ella is a keen sportswoman and works to support and increase participation in womens rugby.

Chairing the session is Binni Brynolf, a committee member of CILIP’s LGBTQ+ Network. Binni is a systems librarian currently working at Chatham House where they are the chair of a very new LGBTQ+ staff network. Binni is also a local rep for Prospect Union and works with union colleagues to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace and beyond.