No matter the industry it is crucial that businesses are taking responsibility to create a safe and inclusive work environment for LGBTQ+ employees and encourage members to have open conversations about the importance of supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
This week for Pride month, we asked some of our consultants to put forward a client of theirs that implements LGBTQ+ initiatives within their company. Whether this is internally through allyship training, seminars, and events or externally through volunteer/charity work, being a recognised LGBTQ+ employer, or a company whose work is focused on improving the lives of LGBTQ+ members.
Ashley Stretton – Property & Construction
Through their employee affinity group, ‘Building PRIDE’, the company has achieved solidarity among LGBTQ+ teammates through allyship training, having LGBTQ speakers at their annual summit ‘Together Allies’, and holding events.
For this Pride Month, the company aims to encourage team members to participate in contests and events, creating an open conversation about why it is vital to uplift LGBTQ+ voices, celebrate LGBTQ+ culture, and support LGBTQ+ rights, not only in the day-to-day but also within the construction industry.
Nicholas Hughes – Professional Services
As well as being a Stonewall Top 100 Employer, Barclays is also a member of TeamPride, supporting Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign to champion LGBT+ inclusion in sport.
The company also supports the Terrence Higgins Trust Work Positive Programme, (a charity supporting those living with HIV back into work) by fundraising and colleague volunteering.
Additionally, they are a founding partner of LGBT Foundations of Pride in Ageing in the North West – supporting over 50-year-olds with access to housing, mental and physical health, and access to group support for coping with isolation.
Sophie O’Sullivan – IM Operations
Through events, talks and initiatives Schroders is proud to see their people continue to break biases and celebrate a more inclusive workplace. From a virtual seminar on gender diversity in Taiwan, an Inclusion Masterclass in APAC, to a roundtable event on ‘coming out in the workplace and the impact on your career in Europe, and employee fundraising for the Stonewall Community Foundation in the US and Stonewall Housing in the UK.
This Pride month the Schroders’ London headquarters will light up in the Pride colours to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community and represent the 50th anniversary of the first pride held in London.
Jeanette Eccleston – Housing Development
Notting Hill Genesis Housing has a network for LGBTQ initiatives called Houseproud which ensures that LGBTQ+ people get a better and inclusive housing service from their landlords.
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