My role is people-focused and often involves influencing others to ensure we deliver an excellent teaching and learning experience for the students - so it's very rewarding.

The campus is a fascinating place to work. Working alongside such diverse, interesting and engaging people, in a role where no two days are ever the same, means I am never bored. There is always something to learn.

I'm co-chair of the LGBT Plus Staff Network and am Stonewall-trained as a visible lesbian role model - a position that means a lot to me personally. Having experienced unfriendly workplaces and witnessed homophobic bullying, I feel lucky to be in a position where I can effect change. Being a role model allows me to be myself and relax at work, and means other people are more relaxed around me - I think it makes sexuality, and other protected characteristics, part of our "normality."

It's vital that people are given a "safe space" in which to be themselves. This is why the LGBT+ Allies training that we do is fundamental to transforming the University environment further - it's not about an individual "fitting in", it's about the institution adapting. If everyone supports the cause and works towards acceptance, we'll get there.

Making changes to the culture of a place isn't necessarily difficult. It's about treating people with respect.

Read more about the LGBT Plus staff network.

I'd been working for various NHS trusts for about six years and felt that I wanted a change from NHS research into university research. We're lucky because we get to see lots of fresh research that is coming through in the very early stages.

I work full time, but I work from home on Fridays. Managers are pretty good at giving us that flexibility.

I have Becker Muscular Dystrophy, and people have been very supportive without being patronising. Part of the reason for working from home is to help manage my fatigue. I live in Reading, I came here when I was 18 as a student and have more or less stayed here ever since. I had been commuting to Oxford - I was at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust before - which was getting a bit too tiring. It's better now I'm working a lot closer to home.

The team from Estates and Facilities also came in and created a kind of frame by my desk so I can get up easily, which has been really helpful. Everyone in the office will help out if I need anything too; it's been a positive experience.

I now live in London, and I have two children. My work schedule was set up to balance being a mother and a lecturer, so I was able to start early in the morning and work three days a week. I would creep out of the house quietly so as not to wake my children! Now the children are older and they don't need so much of my attention.

I also act as carer for my mother and mother-in-law. It would be fair to say that I've always had significant care responsibilities, but have always managed to balance them with my work because the University has been flexible. I never missed a parents’ evening and made it to most school events. I now work from home two days a week but this requires that I am very reactive on the days I'm not in Reading and also that I am flexible about the days I choose to work from home.

For me, work is always about those you're alongside. A difficult task is made more do-able if the people around you are kind and supportive; a sense of humour helps too.

I am part of Technical Services. It's been great being linked up with technicians from all across campus through meetings, training and social events such as technicians' get-togethers with tea and cake.

Currently, I'm working as a job share. My managers have been really supportive; if I've needed to change my hours around or reduce my hours, it's always been fine. The University is very flexible in this way and I think an employer giving you that kind of freedom means you invest more in your work.

I've kept growing in my skill sets and was promoted last year, while working part time. There's a lot of investment in training, both centrally and through Technical Services. I've had some great management training and feel that I am pushed and supported to fulfil my potential.

I have a three-year-old daughter. I don't feel working part time and being a mum means I'm any less valued. No opportunities are held back from me. Everyone has been really supportive of parenting alongside working.