One of the best things about the Civil Service is our diversity and inclusion (D&I) policies. As the largest government department the DWP is committed to bringing about real change in the D&I space.
I’m Rachel, DWPride’s Communications Lead. DWPride is the LGBT* network for DWP colleagues, it’s a voluntary role – one that I took on because I strongly believe that we should be able to work in an environment that’s inclusive to everybody.
My day job is on the DWP Digital Talent Marketing Team, where I’m a content writer promoting our organisation as a great place to work. And, being a D&I champion, I want to help create an inclusive environment for LGBT* colleagues and our customers.
OneTeamGov partnership
Having followed the social media buzz about OneTeamGov, I thought that our objectives were a great fit with their principles. I connected with some of the organisers, as it seemed like the perfect platform for a cross-government event. Luckily the OneTeamGov community agreed!
An event for the LGBT* community
Working with my DWPride network colleagues I’m helping to bring together a team of volunteers to shape, what is set to be, a valuable event in Manchester on 11 October.
The themes for the day are around sharing best practice and practical actions. We’ve got an amazing line up of speakers and interactive break-out sessions planned, bringing together a range of colleagues from LGBT* networks across the Civil Service, government and beyond.
The event will take place to coincide with National Coming Out day, so this will be a fantastic opportunity to show our solidarity, make pledges and spread our message.
An inclusive environment for LGBT* champions
We’re working closely with other Civil Service departments as well as charities like Stonewall to share best practice and learn from each other. The LGBT* agenda doesn’t sit in isolation, so it’s important that we consider important D&I topics such as intersectionality, understanding policies and creating allies.
We’re aiming to raise awareness and education levels of LGBT* issues to help us to be ‘one Civil Service’ working through the challenges together. But it’s not only about that, it’s about camaraderie and providing the champions and leads across government with the opportunity to network, collaborate and help one another in their role as an LGBT* champion.
It’s about forming new relationships so that we can pick up the phone to our counterpart in another department for help and advice, and it’s about making things better in the future. By bringing together the champions and leads from across government we can build on our commitment to make a difference and move towards our goal of becoming the UK’s most inclusive employer.
Join us
If you’re an LGBT* champion in government and would be interested in coming along, we still have a few spaces remaining so register for a place now.
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7 comments
Comment by Shelley posted on
Brilliant blog Rachel. I’m so proud to be hosting the event next month. It is going to be awesome to be with so many brilliant LGBT* role models, champions and allies.
Comment by Sarah Salthouse posted on
This is a great opportunity Rachel and well done to yourself and Shelley too for organising it. I'm only sorry I can't be there.
PS I love the jumper!
Comment by Harlean Carpenter posted on
Brilliant article, Rachel, looking forward to meeting you again on the day!
Comment by Andy Gibbons posted on
The progress that has been made over the last couple of years is tremendous. Thank you for all your hard work x
Comment by Simon McNorton posted on
So proud (DWPROUD!) to see DWPride achieving amazing things. Best of luck - look forward to reading all about it!
Comment by Chris Lamb posted on
Great blog Rachel. Proud to know you.
Comment by Andrew Fournier posted on
I thoroughly enjoyed the event thank you so much for bringing across government departments together and celebrating our diversity and promoting inclusion for everyone. I learnt so much from The event that I did not already know. I learned lots about the barriers transgender people have in the workplace and in everyday life that I did not know. I learned about Intersectionality and how the different parts of my persona that make up 'Me' come to the forefront at different times depending on my surroundings and environment. A really valuable an interesting day and a chance to meet a vast array of people from different departments and backgrounds whilst having fun and feeling accepted for who I am. I felt amongst friends not just colleagues. A BIG THANK YOU. Andrew Fournier, Jobcentre Work Coach DWP Dudley.