Q&A with the Executive Sponsors of the Pride in Food network
Morag Freathy and Michelle Sanders have been announced as the Executive Sponsors for the Pride in Food network in Compass Group UK & Ireland. Our LGBTQ+ Pride in Food network is a colleague community, which develops initiatives to raise awareness of key issues, focusing on respect, integrity, and belonging. The aim is to ensure everyone is confident in being themselves at work, to enable them to thrive.
Morag is the CEO of the Business & Industry sector at Compass Group UK & Ireland and has been with business for around 15 years.
Michelle has recently joined as our Chief Growth Officer, from the role of Managing Director of Samworth Brothers Futures.
Why are you keen to take on this role?
Michelle: I have been with the business for just a few months, but what has struck me is the amazing people here and the culture they have created. There is always more to do and learn with inclusion and I really want to support that within our organisation.
What is your role in the Pride in Food network?
Morag: For me, chairing the Pride in Food network is about promoting an environment where every individual can bring their full, authentic self to work.
Our network is a wide and varied group who are either from the community or Allies who want to show their support. Everyone is welcome.
The key thing is making sure we’re always delivering actions and not just words – sharing the voices and experience of those in the network.
Michelle: Our role is to represent the network at a senior level, to ensure the messages are shared at every level in the business, while acting as an ambassador whenever possible. It’s also an opportunity for me to learn more about underrepresented and minority groups and advocate for inclusion.
What is the objective of the Pride in Food network?
Morag: Inclusion is integral to our business. Our colleague networks focus on various areas of inclusion such as support for women or those with disabilities. Through the Pride in Food network, we’re aiming to help create a culture where people are learning and supportive of the LGBTQ+ community.
It's about making sure that LGBTQ+ colleagues feel empowered, seen, and heard, no matter what their role in the company.
We’re looking to enhance our inclusive environment - breaking down barriers and building up a culture that truly embraces the richness of everyone within our business.
Why is the Pride in Food network so important?
Morag: Too often, people in marginalised communities, including the LGBTQ+ community, feel pressure to hide parts of themselves in the workplace for fear of discrimination or rejection. This can lead to a lack of self-confidence, disengagement, and, ultimately, stifled potential.
Michelle: Allowing individuality creates a culture where everyone can share ideas, develop talents, and perform at their best.
What sort of activities does the network take part in?
Morag: June has seen our network mark Pride month. We have been involved in some fantastic events, including the head office pop ups in London, Chertsey and Parklands. During the event we shared stories and experiences, with many of those in attendance feeling strongly about participating due to witnessing family or friends having a tough time.
These pops ups are so important to keep sharing our message - we are an inclusive company, and we go out of our way to celebrate individuality.
Recently, members of the network and Allies joined the march at Birmingham Pride for the second year. Pride brings people together and many commented on the sense of inclusion and belonging that was felt. We’re really looking forward to supporting London Pride’s Hospitality tent for another year on the 5th July.
On 17 May, we marked International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), raising awareness about the issues faced by people who are homosexual, transgender, intersex or who otherwise do not conform to sexual and gender norms.
We’ve also held an InclusiviTEA on ‘Microaggressions’ and shared new training on ‘Intersectionality’, which follows a previous module we have available called ‘LGBTQ+ Allyship’ via our partners myGwork.
Michelle: I have been really impressed with what I have seen of our network so far and I am excited to be part of our future activities and drive forward this important work.
What next for Pride in Food?
Morag: Key to the success of the network is understanding our position, then informing others to make positive change. I’m not LGBTQ+ myself, so I need to listen and learn in order to support my colleagues as an active Ally in the best possible way.
This network ensures we have ambassadors across the business to keep moving the agenda forward in the way we want to, which will ensure the work we’re doing has a lasting impact.
