LGBT+ History Month – Eastleigh UNISON launches LGBT+ staff network

Eastleigh UNISON were delighted to celebrate LGBT History Month by launching a new staff network for members of the LGBT+ community. The network was created with the following objectives in mind:

  • To provide a safe platform for discussing issues affecting LGBT+ staff within the workplace and the wider community
  • To encourage the council to recognise and celebrate important dates on the LGBT+ calendar.
  • To support the council in remaining an inclusive employer and promote diversification of the work force.
  • To organise social events for LGBT+ staff and allies.
  • To support partner organisations within the local LGBT+ Community.

UNISON Area Organiser Patrick Young, who assists the region’s LGBT+ Self Organised Group, worked with the council’s HR department to set the network up, and also chaired the first meeting. He said that ‘Eastleigh UNISON have made the issue of equalities their principal focus for the coming year, and this network will definitely help to support that aim.’

Branch Secretary Karen Springham hopes that the network will ‘help us reach out to those members who work away from the main council offices and may sometimes feel isolated. UNISON stands for inclusivity and we’re proud to have launched this initiative. Our particular thanks go to the HR department for supporting us.’

With the success of the first meeting earlier this month many other people have already asked to join, with the council-run Point Theatre particularly keen to get involved.

If you’re interested in learning more about UNISON South East’s LGBT+ Group then please contact Laura Webster at l.webster@unison.co.uk