With clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture recognises that the diversity of its people - cultural, academic and geographical - brings strength to the business. Each of the company's strategic organisational aims - including engaging people, innovation and quality delivery to clients - provides a clear business driver for creating open and supportive working environments for LGB employees. The ambition is underpinned by core values, including 'respect for the individual' - valuing diversity and ensuring an inclusive environment.
Patrick Rowe, chief counsel and a member of Accenture's UK Board, acts as overall executive sponsor for the company's initiatives to support LGB&T employees in the UK. In addition to representing LGB&T issues at Board level, Patrick has provided one on one peer coaching to other Board members, to help them develop their understanding of LGB&T workplace equality.
Olver Benzecry
Managing Director of Accenture in the UK and Ireland
Accenture
Support from senior leaders is crucial in transforming organisational culture and furthering equality for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff. At Hampshire Constabulary, Chief Constable Alex Marshall visibly demonstrates his commitment to LGB staff in his role as Force Diversity Champion and Straight Ally.
'I’ve had the honour of leading an organisation of 7,000 people with talent in every corner. My job has been to ensure that talent surfaces on merit and the barriers of previous eras are swept away. Hampshire Police has a strong and challenging LGB contingent whose first priority is giving an excellent service to everyone we serve. As a chief constable I am proud to have seen LGB officers and staff flourish at every level.'
Alex Marshall
Chief Constable
Hampshire Constabulary
Established in 2001, the Goldman Sachs LGBT Employee Network EMEA is Stonewall's Employee Network Group of the year 213. An integral part of the firm's commitmrnt to diversity, the network works closely with the firm's Office of Global Leadership & Diversity and Senior Diversity Council to contribute to a positive workplace culture for all lesbian, gay and bisexual employees. is an integral part of the company’s overall business plan and corporate strategy.
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We are really thrilled that the Goldman Sachs LGBT Network EMEA has been awarded Employee Network Group of the Year. We are very proud of how the network has been instrumental in positioning the firm as an employer of choice for the LGBT community. This award recognises the dedication, energy and enthusiasm of out network leadership team and the engagement of the wider network, including our straight allies.'
Gavin Wills & Lale Topcuoglu
Co-heads
Goldman Sachs LGBT Network
This award is for the employer who has made the most progress against the Workplace Equality Index criteria in the previous 12 months.
With more than 15 million members, Nationwide is the largest building society in the world. In order to maintain this position, the company has set an objective to be recognised as the leading 'corporate citizen' in personal financial services. Diversity - among boith thier employees and customers - is a central element of this aspiration.
'For Nationwide, diversity is about recognising how differance makes our business stronger through the introduction of new perspectives and by reflecting the many communities we serve. We are immensely proud to be recognised for our work in creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for our lesbian, gay and bisexual employees.'
Chris Rhodes
Executive Director, Group Retail
Nationwide Building Society
