Dr Cheryl Holman
Meet Associate Director for Academic Quality, Dr Cheryl Holman. Cheryl is an LGBT+ member of staff and shares her experience of working at Herts.
Life at Herts
I have worked here for a long time now, initially I taught in health-related programmes as I am a Registered Nurse and then I moved into Academic Quality which involves promoting standards of education and making sure the delivery of our programmes is fair and consistent. My perception of Herts from the start was that it is a friendly organisation and staff work hard to meet the needs of students. In recent years Herts has become more focused on equality and diversity. Within my role, I work a lot on improving equity of opportunity and contribute to the University’s strategic plan.
I am part of the LGBTQ+ network which is informal and easy to access. I have met some lovely people and learned a lot from them. I like the interesting discussions in the reading group, and I am a mentor which is both enjoyable and rewarding. The great thing is that all the people in the network understand that we all have other commitments so I never feel judged if I can’t make an event or miss a meeting. There’s always a friendly welcome, a chat and a laugh.
As a lesbian with two children with my partner, I do feel valued by my colleagues and the management team. I think staff networks have become more visible and support for community groups is apparent which sends positive messages. Herts is a very friendly place to work, and my colleagues show interest in me and how my family is getting on which is encouraging and affirming. If you are new to Herts my advice is to make the most of any opportunities offered and don’t be afraid to be who you are and let people get to know you.
What more can we do?
Some of my students’ research focuses on equity and diversity and it is clear we have more work to do in challenging prejudice and inequality. I have delivered a session for health care students where I was asked to recount some of my experiences to help them better understand LGBTQ+ issues. I would like to do more of this type of work to promote discussion and ideas. As someone who came-out in the 1980s, I am interested in how ideas have developed and how people across the age continuum experience LGBTQ+ life from within and outside the LGBTQ+ community. I try to be out and proud about myself and a supportive ally to others.