The first proposal called for transgender awareness training. The proposer wanted an informative workshop/campaign regarding the knowledge, treatment and support for transgender and gender variant students. The workshop would then be targeted towards all members of staff within the University whose job requires them to engage with students. The ultimate aim would be to create a better environment and attitude on campus both among the staff and students towards equality.
The panel passed this proposal unanimously with an agreed aim to have a transgender awareness workshop in place for September 2015. In the longer term it is hoped it will become integral to staff inductions and have a session as part of Staffs Fest.
The second proposal was to lobby the University to provide accessible poster space for students so they can advertise their events and activities in areas where there is good footfall. The forum discussed utilising existing noticeboards in faculties. There was discussion about how this would add to the vibrancy of campus and improve engagement. Information would need to be vetted centrally, with a particular focus on ensuring no unauthorised commercial promotions and agreeing on the duration of display. Students were also keen for easier access to the vast number of screens showing information around the campus. This proposal was passed with a majority with the proposer working with the marketing team to make this happen.
The next Better Staffs Forum meeting will take place in Stoke on Wednesday 15 April at 1pm in the September Room, above Ember Lounge.