12 April 2023
Introducing the Surrey LGBTQ+ Employee Network
Larger companies have the capacity to create employee networks that bring LGBTQ+ colleagues and their allies together – but what about smaller businesses? How can small and medium-sized organisations provide a network that offers the same level of support and confidentiality?
Pride in Surrey believes it’s important for every business to be able to create an inclusive environment for all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions within the workplace.
As part of their mission to connect the local LGBTQ+ community, Pride in Surrey is launching the Surrey LGBTQ+ Employee Network in partnership with small businesses in the area.
The Surrey LGBTQ+ Employee Network will provide a platform that allows employees to connect confidentially, whilst working separately with employers to help their workplaces become more inclusive.
The network is free for employees to join and aims to support those who self-identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Employees can attend monthly virtual meetings, social events in safe settings and get access to wellbeing information and advice.
What’s more, organisations who sign up to this initiative can benefit from anonymised feedback, shaped by the network, on how to improve inclusivity within their workplaces.
Stephen Ireland, Founder & Director of Surrey LGBTQ Pride CIC - Pride in Surrey, says: “Building a countywide network for Surrey businesses ensures more voices can be heard. We’re providing a safe environment where employees from different organisations can discuss anything! What one SME might be doing well, another might be challenged by. This kind of information which, when stripped of any personal or business identifiers, can help create inclusive and diverse workplaces.”
Sally Pritchett, CEO of local creative agency, Something Big, is excited to be a part of the network launch. She says: "For SMEs making such great progress in diversity and inclusion, being able to create these kind of safe spaces within a small team was a real stumbling block. Now we can offer a genuinely safe support network to all our employees and they don't have to feel they have to disclose anything to us that they're not ready to."
If you’d like to learn more about how to join the Surrey LGBTQ+ Employee Network as an employee or a small business, please visit: prideinsurrey.org/employeenetwork
The 2023 Pride Event:
This years event will take place at Priory Park in Reigate on Saturday 9th September - it will include a Pride Parade in Reigate town centre and the Pride Park Event in Priory Park.
Pride in Surrey are now accepting interest for event sponsors, advertisers and stall-holder bookings via their website. In addition, those wishing to take part in the day can book parade spaces and/or park event tickets online at www.prideinsurrey.org
Pride in Surrey's values sit at the core of everything we do, these are to: Celebrate, Educate and Connect the LGBTQ+ community and its allies; recognising that intersectionality exists, AND, that we must stand together as one community!
The Pride Hub (from Pride in Surrey):
The Pride Hub is an exciting and unique venue for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies in which to meet, socialise and access valuable services. We are proud to work in partnership with a wide range of organisations that bring vital information, signposting and support to those who may need it.
The Pride Hub is a sober safe space, a space where no matter who you are and how you define, you can be yourself. The Pride Hub offers complimentary hot drinks, access to signposting and support services, workshops and social / peer support groups alongside access to book-able office meeting space for up to 6 people and a safe space with games console, PA system and sensory lamp that aids mental health and well-being.
Training & Professional Services:
Our dedicated team of volunteers are available for professional / educational training and development sessions with experience visiting schools, colleges, businesses and faith/community groups covering anything from LGBTQ+ history to diversity and inclusion, even unconscious bias. Get in touch if you wish to know more via our website prideinsurrey.org
