1. University of Wolverhampton
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  4. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
  5. Staff Networks
  6. LGBT Networks
Photograph of a LGBTQ+ pride flag flying outside.

LGBTQ+ Staff Network

LGBTQIA+ Staff Network

The University of Wolverhampton LGBTQIA+ Staff Network is open to university staff of all identities. Founded in 2005, the LGBTQIA+ Staff Network has been promoting an inclusive campus environment at Wolverhampton for over a decade. The role of the LGBTQIA+ Staff Network has also expanded from organising social activities to steering institutional policy change and community engagement with wider LGBTQIA+ communities and other universities. This is made possible by a milestone in 2014 when the University formalised the officer roles of the Staff Networks as corporate positions. The core activities of the LGBTQIA+ Staff Network include: 
  • Providing support, information and advice on LGBTQIA+ issues or related queries to all staff
  • Delivering a confidential channel for reporting discrimination or harassment in relation to sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Reverse mentoring senior management on LGBTQIA+ equality & diversity initiatives
  • Developing all staff through training sponsorship and delivering LGBTQIA+ awareness workshops
  • Coordinating LGBTQIA+ awareness events and campaigns, such as LGBTQIA+ History Month, Pride month, etc.
  • Liaising with other LGBTQIA+ community groups, student societies and staff networks within the campus and beyond 
If you would like to join our mailing list or want to connect with us, please contact us by email anytime at equality@wlv.ac.uk 

Meet the Staff Network Officers 

Co-Chair of LGBT+ Staff Network

Dr Helen Keane (she/her)

Course Leader and Senior Lecturer in Physical Education and School Sport  Co-Chair, LGBTQIA Staff Network

Helen is a passionate educator, researcher, and advocate for inclusive practice across the University of Wolverhampton. As Co-Chair of the LGBTQIA Staff Network, she brings a collaborative, emotionally literate approach to leadership, prioritising transparency, staff voice, and intersectional inclusion. Her vision centres on creating brave spaces where colleagues feel seen, heard, and empowered to share good practice.

With a background in curriculum innovation and reflective pedagogy, Helen is committed to fostering a stronger sense of belonging across departments. She champions initiatives that connect staff, rooted in the belief that leadership lives in all of us and that it’s the everyday acts of representation, support, and allyship that build connection and turn inclusivity into a lived, shared experience across the university.

Helen’s lived experience as a lesbian deeply informs her commitment to fostering inclusive, emotionally safe environments for both staff and students. Through her leadership and advocacy, she helps shape a university culture where identity is celebrated, and meaningful connections are at the heart of community.

She is looking forward to connecting with colleagues across all campuses.

Co-Chair of LGBT+ Staff Network

Samuel Mccracken

Sam works within the UK Recruitment Team here at the university and uses He/him pronouns. Sam has been studying here at the university for over 4 years, having been a Senior Student Ambassador, and was the LGBTQIA+ Liberation Representative for the Students Union in 2023 – 2024.

As the LGBTQIA+ Liberation Representative, Sam was awarded the Esther Opemipo 
Shonibare Champion of Diversity award, and was nominated by students to the National Queer Student Awards as a Student Role Model of the Year becoming a finalist in this category, being brought back this year as a judge for the awards.

Additionally, Sam works with LGBTQIA+ young people in Wolverhampton with X2Y Youth Charity, empowering young LGBTQIA+ people to build stronger and brighter communities for themselves. The idea of building upon the staff community here at the university is what piqued Sam's interest to apply as a network officer. 

Empowering, uplifting and celebrating LGBTQIA+ people is at the heart of everything Sam does, particularly as a Transgender person in the current socieo-political climate. Sam's academic interests also focus on the idea of empowerment, exploring LGBTQIA+ intimacy and community and shining a light on the stories we carry through his craft as an illustrator and sculptor.

Sam would embrace the opportunity to highlight the stories of our incredible staff within the network, celebrate their achievements and ensure the university is a safe and vibrant place to both work by developing meaningful connections to the community they may hold dear.