LGBT & Allies Network announces charity partnership with Terrence Higgins Trust
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) & Allies Network at Compass Group UK & Ireland, the UK’s largest food and support services firm, has announced leading HIV charity, Terrence Higgins Trust, as its charity partner.
The LGBT & Allies Network was set up in May, when the business worked with leading LGBT charity Stonewall and professional network OUTstanding, to help develop its workplace strategy and practices to further support LGBT colleagues at work. The network has now revealed its committee as part of its commitment to encourage diversity and inclusion.
The LGBT & Allies committee will be responsible for rolling out the network’s plans and will focus on the following four pillars to deliver their agenda: Communication, Development, CR, as well as Networking and Events.
Members of the nine-strong committee include a selection of personnel from Compass Group UK & Ireland: Executive Sponsor, Oliver Cock, Managing Director of Foodbuy and Executive Board Member; Chair, Melanie Hayes, Resourcing & Development Director; and co-chair, David Tester, Head of Marketing, Brands, Formats and Innovation, in Compass’ Business & Industry division.
To create awareness around the network and its commitment to further develop an inclusive workforce, the team holds regular Listening Groups, giving colleagues the opportunity to feedback and shape the agenda. The network is also planning to host fundraising events to support Terrence Higgins Trust, with the first being a charity gala event which was held on World AIDS Day and raised £8385 altogether on the night.
The event was held on December 1 in partnership with Barclays Spectrum at the unique NY-LON Lounge Bar in The O2 Arena, attended by 150 people. Guests were able to enjoy an evening of music and dancing with a live DJ, as well as entertainment including a charity auction.
Executive Sponsor, Oliver Cock, said: “I am passionate about ensuring that we, at Compass Group UK & Ireland, continue to foster an inclusive working environment whereby our colleagues feel free to bring their true selves to work. As Executive Sponsor and an Ally for the network I see the importance of role -modelling the right behaviours to enable this. I am delighted that we have selected Terrence Higgins Trust as our 2017 charity and we look forward to supporting them over the next twelve months.”
Claire McMaster, Director of Fundraising at Terrence Higgins Trust said: “We’re delighted to have partnered with the LGBT & Allies network at Compass Group UK & Ireland. It’s great to see the dedication Compass has shown in their fundraising efforts for their first, and very successful event. The money raised will support our vital work tackling the HIV epidemic and ensuring people living with and effected by HIV live well. We really look forward to building a strong relationship with the business and seeing the ongoing success of their LGBT & Allies network.”
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For more information contact:
UK Communications Team
Compass Group UK & Ireland
Uk.communications@compass-group.co.uk
01895 554 999
