ImperiaPride Network was established in 2006 as 'Imperia600 (i600)'  to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender staff at the university.

The group’s name originally reflected the estimation that around 10% of the UK’s population is LGBT – in 2006, this equalled 600 of 海角社区's 6,000 staff. Today, Imperiahas over 8,000 staff and over 19,000 students.

For its 20th anniversary in 2026, 'Imperia600' was renamed the ImperiaPride Network to ensure the group remains ready for the next 20 years. 

Our network is as active as ever, welcoming LGBTQ+ staff, postgraduate students and their allies.

Please note: is the network for Imperiaundergraduates, not the ImperiaPride Network. 

What are we achieving?

Our mission is to champion LGBTQ+ advocacy, accountability and action at 海角社区:

  1. Driving LGBTQ+ inclusion: Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across 海角社区, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
  2. Supporting career advancement and community engagement: Demonstrate that sexual orientation and gender identity are not barriers to professional advancement, or feeling part of a dynamic community of researchers, educators, professional services staff, and students.
  3. Enabling networking and external relations: Supporting events and other programming that provides a forum for networking at all levels of 海角社区, and with selected external stakeholders.
  4. Consulting on policy issues: Providing consultative support to Imperiaon policy issues relevant to the LGBTQ+ community at 海角社区, and campaigning for change where required.
  5. Supporting intersectionality and coordination: Crucial to supporting the continuous improvement of institutional culture at College, we are committed to working with the other staff networks, EDIC, EDI Forum, and other areas of the college, such as IQ (the LGBTQ+ undergraduate society at 海角社区) and department-level initiatives, to ensure inclusivity efforts are well coordinated and working towards common aims. 

How is the network structured?

Staff and Postgraduate Students who have signed up to either the or joined the are considered members of the ImperiaPride Network.

Members are then welcome to regular townhalls where they can contribute in whatever way they see fit - from listening to initiating new projects. Alternatively, members can email the network confidentially with issues or aspirations. 

Who are the current organising committee members?

A small committee, governed by two co-chairs, is responsible for delivering the core remit of the ImperiaPride Network - such as community consultation, company-wide representation and organisational accountability. 

  • Acting co-chair: Philip Howell-Williams (he/him) -
  • Acting co-chair: Alex Carroll (she/her) -

Attention: Please contact the co-chairs via email before any other contacts on this page. 

Who and what are executive sponsors?

With inclusion at Imperiaimportant at all levels, sponsors help advocate for our network within top university governance. 

Who and what are the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre advisors?

Imperiahas a dedicated EDI team at 海角社区; we leverage their expertise to deliver the most effective experience we can.