Q&A with Megan Caulkett, Chair of Compass’ Pride in Food network
Megan Caulkett is now the Chair for Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Pride in Food network, to support and celebrate the LGBTQI+ community. This network brings together people from across the organisation, as well as clients and customers, to encourage diversity, organising campaigns and events throughout the year to help this agenda.
Megan joined Compass over 13 years ago on the first Compass Academy Apprenticeship, based at a leading London venue. The two-year programme fast tracks young individuals into management roles. After graduating, Megan rocketed through career progression, working across a number of venues and on exciting launches. She is now Head of Operations for Restaurant Associates.
What’s your role?
I recently took on the role of Chair and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of something that means so much to me. Pride in Food has been on a journey over the past few years, and it’s gone from initial launch and grown to a group of dedicated people across our business, who aim to celebrate and inform people about everything LGBTQI+. My role is to lead this agenda and work with the other members of the network, to deliver it.
Why did you take on this role?
My personal aim is to continue to strive for equality and opportunities in our workplace and society. I will always do my best to be a role model to people who need support in any way to understand the LGBTQI+ community - everyone should feel comfortable talking about difficult matters, without shame or fear.
What does it mean to you?
It’s important to me that everyone can be themselves. I feel so strongly that we must continue to embrace equality and to support our family, friends and colleagues to feel accepted to be their true selves.
How have you been marking Pride month?
We’ve been marking Pride month internally and supporting our teams across the business with information and resources to create their celebrations within sites for our people, customers and clients. We have also hosted an online session for colleagues, which has been an open forum about inclusivity and it’s a great way to hear about peoples’ stories and experiences.
The main event for us will take place on 2nd July, as we have a team of people taking part in the Pride march in London. We’re also a partner with Pride London, delivering large parts of the VIP hospitality, which we’re working with Allegra McEvedy on. This year it’s even more special, as the event hasn’t taken place for a few years due to Covid restrictions and it is now in its 50th year! This is sure to be a great day, the atmosphere is always amazing and I can’t wait to be back there!
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