Ally Network Terms of Reference

Updated November 2023

1. Overview

The University of New England (UNE) Ally Network (Ally Network) is an informal network of staff and students who are allies to, and within, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, asexual and related communities (LGBTQIA+). We understand allyship to exist within and across LGBTQIA+ communities, as well as between LGBTQIA+ people and cis-heterosexual people.

The Ally Network acknowledges and supports diversity of sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression and sex characteristics at UNE. The Network works to promote and resolve issues affecting these communities as well as educate students and staff to build safer and more inclusive educational and workspaces at the University.

The Ally Network endorses the University’s equity, diversity, and inclusion policies and actively contributes to a university-wide culture of safety and wellbeing. It promotes a higher education environment that is inclusive, safe and respectful for all persons, representing UNE’s core values.

2. Objectives

  • The objectives of the UNE Ally Network are to:
    • Support students, staff and alumni on sexuality and gender diversity related issues;
    • Promote a safe, inclusive and affirming environment for students and staff who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/, asexual or members of related communities (LGBTQIA+);
  • Provide the University with visibility, voice, and expertise on LGBTQIA+ lived experience; in particular regarding issues faced by regional LGBTQIA+ students and staff, including First Nations LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities;
    • Promote and celebrate LGBTQIA+ dates of significance;
    • Speak out on behalf of LGBTQIA+ students and staff and advocate alongside them;
    • Provide information and input for policy development and implementation through participating in consultative processes, raising issues for consideration and inviting all members to contribute to Ally Network submissions;
    • Provide networking opportunities for LGBTQIA+ students and staff
    • Provide input to the UNE Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee;
    • Seek access to senior leaders and fora, and other strategic opportunities to share the message;
    • Influence the planning and development of initiatives and training aimed at celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ communities; and
    • Promote being an Ally and growing our Network by promoting and attending events, contributing ideas, and participating in working groups to progress the objectives listed above.

3. Membership

  • The UNE Ally Network is an open, coordinated group of trained Allies, made up of any interested students, staff and UNE affiliates who have completed (or are enrolled in) LGBTQIA+ Awareness and Ally Network training, regardless of their employment or enrolment type at UNE.
  • Members of the Network must be committed to the objectives of the Network and demonstrate respect and inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community at UNE.
  • In order to become a member of the Network, a UNE student, staff or affiliate must:
    1. complete the UNE Ally Training Program, and/or
    2. demonstrate they have recently completed equivalent Ally Training Program at another institution, and/or
    3. demonstrate recent and substantial previous experience with providing support to LGBTQIA+ individual/s or communities.
  • To join the Ally Network, new members need to send an email to allynetwork@une.edu.au with the following information:
    • Name
    • UNE email address
    • Confirmation whether they are a staff member, student, alumnus, or affiliate
    • Confirmation of completion of Ally training at UNE or elsewhere
  • Either on the majority vote of members or at the Chair’s discretion, any membership of the Network may be refused or cancelled, if a person acts or expresses views contrary to the objectives of the Network.
  • Any member may withdraw or resign from the Network at any time without giving any reason.  Notice of membership withdrawal to be given in writing via email to allynetwork@une.edu.au.

4. Chair & Secretary

  • The Network’s Chair (& co-Chair, if agreed to) and Secretary (& Assistant Secretary, if agreed to) will be elected members of the Network.
  • The roles will be for 12 months, unless otherwise agreed to.
  • The Network can at any time appoint one or more Co-Chairs and Assistant Secretaries who will be members of the Network and are preferably students. Each position will normally be appointed for a period of 12 months and will be appointed via an Expression of Interest process, open to all Network members.
  • Expressions of Interest will be voted on by members with a simple majority of members.
  • On the majority vote of members, a Chair and/or Secretary may be discontinued from the position, if the person acts or expresses views contrary to the objectives of the Network.

5. Roles and Responsibilities of the Chair & Co-Chair

  • Set dates for Ally meetings and seek agenda items
  • Chair Ally Network meetings
  • With the equal participation of members, facilitate an annual working plan for the Network
  • Facilitate communication across the Network
  • Perform other tasks, as they may arise

6. Roles and Responsibilities of the Secretary & Assistant Secretary

  • Take and distribute minutes
  • Maintain records of meeting agendas and minutes
  • Oversee the maintenance of the Network’s website and social networking platforms
  • Review annual training schedule and training content for required updates
  • Perform other tasks, as they may arise

7. Roles and Responsibilities of Membership

All members are to:

  • contact the Chair and relevant emergency services urgently if they have concerns of serious and/or imminent risk to a student or staff;
  • keep personal information confidential;
  • show respect for sensitive issues that may arise in discussion/planning/events;
  • refer LGBTQIA+ individuals and/or their associates seeking support to University and/or community support services and/or other expert referral points;
  • actively participate in, and contribute to, the activities of the Network, including for example regular attendance at meetings (within the restrictions of study or work commitments), training, participation in Network events or activities, and/or working parties;
  • actively develop and update their own skills and knowledge on LGBTQIA+ inclusion and current issues;
  • wherever possible, promote their role as Ally, other LGBTQIA+ -related supports, and information available at the University; and
  • observe the Network’s Terms of Reference.

8. Meetings

  • The Network will hold at least six meetings per year as decided by the Chair and/or Co-Chair; or a majority of the members.
  • In the event that the Chair and Co-Chairs are unavailable, members present at a meeting may elect a chair from the attendees.

9. Reporting

  • The Network will report to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee at least once a year on its work, progress and any concerns that may arise. This report may be verbal or written.

10. Sub-Committees / Working Parties

  • Sub-committees and working parties may be formed as required and may include people from outside UNE, such as members of external organisations, Armidale and New England community members and representatives, and Universities.
  • The participation of external organisations will be voted on by a majority of members present at a meeting.

11. Agenda/Minutes

  • Items for the agenda are to be provided to the Chair no later than two weeks prior to the scheduled meeting.
  • Agendas shall be prepared by the Chair and circulated to members of the Network no later than one week prior to the scheduled meeting.
  • Minutes shall be prepared and approved by the Chair before being circulated to members of the Network within two weeks of a meeting.

12. Media

  • As politically sensitive issues may sometimes be raised in the Network, all media communication, including the use of the UNE Ally Network name and logo, by members representing the Network must be referred to the Chair for approval.
  • The Chair may seek all members’ consideration on contentious issues before issuing media communication.

13. Funding

  • Funding for activities for the Ally Network can be made on an ad hoc basis to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, or directly to the Executive Sponsor for the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, currently the Chief Operating Officer, where necessary.