LGBT+ and Allies Network at Birmingham City Council

Birmingham City Council's LGBT Employees Network was set up in 2002 for employees who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender and their friends. In April 2014 at the Annual General Meeting it was agreed to rename it the LGBT+ and Allies Network in response to an increasing number of heterosexual or straight employees, also known as 'allies', who wanted to show their support for the LGBT+ community and get involved in our activities.

The two main aims of the networks are to:

• Increase the visibility of employees who identify as LGBT, promoting equality across the organisation by supporting personal and career development
• Improve the quality of services we offer our customers, especially those who identify as LGBT

The network is supported by senior managers: our Champion is Peter Hay, Strategic Director for People, and we work closely with senior managers in HR and Equalities and the Chief Executive. All staff are encouraged to take part in networking events and activities on a minimum quarterly basis as part of their work time.

The network relies on all members to make individual contributions towards promoting LGBT equality and diversity. Once per year at the Annual General Meeting, the network elects council officers into the roles of Spokesperson and Coordinator, and they undertake their duties in addition to their regular roles within the council. The main purpose of these elected roles is to coordinate and communicate the activities of the membership.

All of the Employee Networks (Disability Advisory Network, Corporate Black Workers Support Group and LGBT Allies Network) operate to an agreed Terms of Reference and the LGBT Allies Network has its own agreed constitution which outlines further support.

We value our membership, which includes employees from across the organisation with a wide range of skills. If you think you can help us, please contact us.

We also welcome contact from external organisations, partners and LGBT networks, including citizens or service users.