Rainbow Network at Diageo

Diageo’s Rainbow Network is our dedicated LGBT+ employee group. It is focused on raising the profile of LGBT+ issues as well as the broader inclusion and diversity agenda. The group’s purpose is “to unleash the potential that being able to be yourself can bring to all of our lives and to Diageo’s performance ambition.”

We know that for our business to thrive we depend on having diverse talent with a range of backgrounds, skills and capabilities in each of the 180 countries in which we operate and that our employees must reflect our broad consumer base – and that of course includes LGBT+ people. We view diversity as one of the key enablers that helps our business to grow. Our values, purpose and standards set the conditions for us to respect the unique contribution each person brings.

So far the Europe Rainbow Network has established chapters in London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Budapest and Scotland – with plans to launch a further chapter in Madrid in the coming months. We regularly connect with our colleagues in the US and have become a more connected global network sharing ideas and best practice each month. Our markets and cultural contexts may sometimes be very different but our ambitions for a world where difference is celebrated as part of a truly inclusive culture is a common goal that drives us all.

This year saw us launch our inaugural INC. week, to mark London Pride. Over the course of the week our London HQ was transformed to host a series of events including lively debates and TED-style talks sponsored by Smirnoff. We were joined by notable speakers including figures from organisations sharing their views on unconscious bias, gender equality, disability, and flexible working, as well as representatives from London PRIDE and OUTstanding. The week was organised by a small group of passionate and determined people – and the reaction from colleagues has been overwhelming.  We’re in discussions on what we do next to keep the focus on accelerating an inclusive culture front and centre.