An LGBT network group (sometimes called a Business Resource Group) is an internal forum for employees at all levels of an organisation. These groups play a crucial role in advancing workplace equality in the UK and across the world. They are led by LGBT employees, so if your organisation doesn’t have one, you might be able to set one up.
Why should you join a network group?
To become part of a community
Network groups are a great way to meet other LGBT people at work. They can also provide confidential support on any issues you don’t feel comfortable discussing with your manager. Sometimes networks collaborate across sectors – a great way to meet and learn from peers in other organisations.
To help raise awareness
Network groups often run initiatives, such as panel events and social media campaigns, to explore LGBT issues. These activities increase the visibility of LGBT people at work, helping to create an environment where everyone feels confident to be themselves.
To advise management and create change
Network groups often help scrutinise organisational policies and practices, such as ensuring that employee benefits are fully LGBT inclusive.
To support local LGBT communities
Network group activities such as fundraising and attending Pride events, often reach beyond just staff, to customers, service users and local communities.
‘For my first five years at Vodafone, I didn’t see any LGBT activity and the only person to come out to me was a store manager, during a retail visit. The environment didn’t match my experience in the outside world or reflect the progress we’d made on LGBT rights and laws in the UK. So, when I saw a post for an LGBT+ network summit in February 2016, I decided to go along and find out more.
Since then I’ve totally come out at work as a visible lesbian role model and I’ve said “yes” (with a gulp!) to network group opportunities beyond the responsibilities of my day job. Through my involvement with the network, I’ve organised events, participated in panel discussions, mentored young LGBT+ graduates and apprentices, and met with senior managers to discuss how they can support LGBT inclusion.The energy of the network group is amazing and powerful! We’re coming together with our ideas, energy, creativity, passion and enthusiasm to make a difference and improve LGBT+ inclusion in the organisation. We also provide confidential support for employees and have a trans advisor to ensure trans members are fully represented and supported. We have an LGBT women’s group who meet monthly via video conference and we’re just kicking off a similar initiative in the UK for LGBT black, Asian and minority ethnic employees, working closely with our Multicultural Inclusion Network.
For me personally, the best thing about being involved with the network group has been the opportunity to get to know some wonderful LGBT+ and ally friends and colleagues at all levels of the organisation – in the UK and in other countries. LGBT+ role model training provided networking opportunities and was really an important seed for growing the LGBT+ community across Vodafone – meeting others like you and finding out you’re not the only one.’
– Bronya Oldfield, UK Chair, Vodafone’s LGBT+ Friends Network (Stonewall’s Network Group of the Year 2018)
