York St John staff member wins national award for celebrating diversity

The awards were created by the Inclusive Networks organisation, to celebrate the positive impact of network groups from all diversity strands and across all sectors. Inclusive Networks brings networks, charities, community groups and employers of all diversity strands and sectors together.

Along with Jo’s award, York St John University’s LGBT Staff Network was shortlisted for three other Inclusive Network Awards: Employee LGBT Network of the Year, Inspiring Member of the Year (Andy Law) and Collaboration of the Year (work with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the City of York Council on LGBT History Month). The University was awarded highly commended in the Collaboration category.

Dr Fiona Thompson, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Chair of the LGBT Staff Network, said: “Being short-listed for four awards was an extraordinary achievement in itself for our LGBT Staff Network.

“Getting a highly commended for Collaboration of the Year was a recognition of the power of working in partnerships with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the City of York Council.

“The icing on the cake was to be with over 200 network group representatives at the awards ceremony and hear Jo Thompson named as Network Champion of the Year. A fantastic achievement and well-deserved for all her hard work and commitment to the Staff Network”

Earlier this year the York St John network was recognised by Inclusive Networks as one of 2015’s top 100 Awesome Networks.