Tell me some stories of things your company does to make LGBT employees feel at ease at work?

Thank you for this great question and I am pleased to say there is a lot of exciting activity happening in this space! Here are a few highlights of the initiatives we have introduced in the last year to support LGBT+ colleagues at First Central.

To promote inclusion for all expectant parents, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, we have replaced the traditional Maternity / Paternity Leave Policies with our enhanced Primary Parent and Co-Parent Leave Policies.

We have also taken a gender-neutral approach to tackling period poverty, by offering our colleagues free sanitary products across all toilets in all of our office locations.

We recognise the journey to gender affirmation is a complex and challenging one for most and that is we are in the process of creating a dedicated Transitioning at Work Policy. Our ambition is to provide colleagues who are transitioning with support and guidance on how to navigate the change within the workplace.

To promote a more supportive and inclusive workplace culture, we have established a community group where our LGBT+ colleagues and allies can connect, share their experiences, ideas and support on a range of DEIB related projects. Future projects include creating an Allyship Campaign and working through recommendations from Stonewall Equality Index

To keep all employees informed and educated about issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, we circulate a quarterly newsletter and also spotlight communications on notable dates such as Pride, Trans Day of Visability and LGBT+ History Month.

Our dress code is relaxed, allowing colleagues to dress in a way which is aligned to their gender identity and expression, allowing them to feel comfortable and their authentic selves in the workplace.

Hopefully this gives you a flavour of what is currently on offer, and of our big ambitions within this space. We are always open to feedback on ideas how we can further embed our mission of putting people first, always.