KNOWLEDGE QUARTER DIVERSITY VIRTUAL ROUNDTABLE: WHAT’S IN THE PLUS?

LGBTQ+ network groups can transform the experiences of LGBTQ+ people at work. They provide a space for employees to support each other, promote a better understanding of LGBTQ+ inclusion, scrutinise an organisation’s policies and processes and offer suggestions for how these can be improved. A good network of this kind can radically improve the working-day experiences for LGBTQ + employees, and create a better workplace culture for everyone within the organisation.

Many Knowledge Quarter partners have an LGBTQ+ network of some kind, and we’re delighted to invite colleagues who are involved in these networks to join us to share their experiences and challenges. Together, we will hear from Stonewall and the Met Police about the setting up of such networks and will be asking: How can organisations continue to support our LGBTQ+ staff? Where and by what means can they improve?

This event is ideal for:

• Staff representing LGBTQ+ and similar networks in their organisations

• Staff looking to set up LGBTQ+ networks in their organisations

• Senior management

• Diversity and Inclusion professionals

• Staff developing diversity and inclusion strategies

We have two speakers joining us for this event:

Ilona Smith is a Senior Membership Programmes Manager at Stonewall in the Diversity Champions Team. In over three years with Stonewall, Ilona has supported a range of UK and international organisations on LGBT inclusion in the workplace. Previously she has volunteered for a range of charities and was an LGBT activist in Poland, where she’s from.

Laks Mann is a Metropolitan Police Officer and a Committee Member of their LGBT+ Network. He was appointed by the Mayor of London to City Hall’s inaugural Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group, where he advises through an intersectional lens of race, ethnicity, faith, LGBTQ+, social class and youth narratives. Laks is currently on Oxford University's 'Pathways to Success Leadership Programme' for future BAME leaders.

This event will be held via Zoom. Please contact jemima.barnes@bl.uk with any queries.

Diversity Roundtables are held bi-annually. Chatham House rules apply, so partners can openly discuss advances made since a previous roundtable as well as any challenges they face in this area.

Our Virtual Events:

The KQ's virtual events will take place via Zoom. You do not need to download Zoom software in order to participate - there is a web browser version which works perfectly well. Once you have signed up via Eventbrite you will receive a link by email 48 hrs before the event. If you have any questions please get in touch with the KQ events team: Bhav or Jemima.

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