With all the updates happening across my LinkedIn feed I really wanted to reflect on LGBTIQA+ #Pride2024🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Something I have learnt from my LGBTIQA+ friends is that Pride at its heart is about viability and openness and, just as importantly, the resistance to shame. Sadly the later is normally a feeling that comes from inequality in the places we work and live, through people's behaviours, and through policies and laws.
Since starting at South Staffordshire Plc just nine months ago, I have enjoyed working with the team to review our working practices and policies however, we still have a lot to do to achieve our EDI ambitions as a group and to be recognised as a true ally.
We recently launched a new set of family focused policies to support a wide group of people across our businesses, and with the support of one of our senior team (who is an LGBTIQA+ adoptive parent), these included matching adoption leave, to our maternity leave. However, that's just the start!
So whilst as a business we have publicly declared our support by changing our logos in the usual social media way, I am using my post today (and my monthly Blog internally) to make promises for the next 12 months, where we will:
- Engage our LGBTQIA+ colleagues and launch a new network 🫂
- Review our policies to ensure equity for our LGBTIQA+ colleagues ⚖️
- Review our application processes to ensure it is engaging and accessible for all 👩💻👨💻
- Engage our ESG Committee to have a programme supporting LGBTIQA+ young people into our STEM and Customer Service businesses via good apprenticeships 🏫
- Promote internally our LGBTIQA+ diversity 🌈
In becoming an active ally we will also create (through the network), listening and feedback opportunities with the community about what matters to them and ask for their support to shape our future.
I look forward to updating you next year on our progress, until then Happy Pride Month to all 🎉#PrideMonth #Equity #LGBTIQA+
We're proud to stand with our #LGBTQ+ colleagues and customers in embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment.
#PrideMonth #Pride
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