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In 2019 a group of volunteers responded to a call to action from Defence's senior LGBTQ+ Champion to help make Defence a more inclusive workplace.
These volunteers gave a little of their time to design, develop and ultimately deliver a programme to:
They were recently shortlisted for the Diversity and Inclusion Award, Government Project Delivery Profession Awards for their hard work embedding a Defence-wide LGBTQ+ Allyship programme. The programme's Authentic Allyship workshops have been delivered to over 1000 colleagues across Defence, and over 350 people have signed up to be allies. They've also showcased experiences of LGBTQ+ colleagues and the challenges they have faced, recommending tools that individuals can use to promote allyship.
What is the LGBTQ+ Allies programme?
The programme has been identified as a model for how Defence can operate wider Allyship programmes, contributing to the Defence's Diversity and Inclusion strategy which includes commitments to eliminate bullying, harassment and discrimination, and increase representation of under-represented groups.
What is an ally?
An LGBTQ+ Ally is anyone, irrespective of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, who takes positive action or models' behaviour to improve inclusion and acceptance for LGBTQ+ people.
Sam des Forges, Director of Diversity and Inclusion and LGBTQ+ Champion, has given her support to the programme:
“The MOD’s LGBTQ+ Ally programme is a fantastic effort that is making a real positive difference to how defence feels for LGBTQ+ colleagues.
“I love the energy, I love the network, and the fact that it came from staff organising themselves makes it 100% authentic. It shows what public servants can do when they bring their professional skills to bear on an issue, they are passionate about.
“Congratulations to the team for being shortlisted in the Government Project Delivery Profession Awards. They deserve the recognition for creating something so helpful and so needed during lockdown, and we’ll be aiming to build on what they’ve achieved for our wider D&I efforts.”
Ministry of Defence
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