LGBTQ+ Network
Our LGBTQ+ network aims to build and maintain an environment within OC&C in which all individuals feel able to bring their whole self to work and feel empowered to succeed, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
We do this by creating a space for people to express and discuss their LGBTQ+ identities through a range of social forums, both internally and with other consultancies; panel and speaker events to raise awareness and educate the firm around LGBTQ+ issues and identities; and informal mentoring mechanisms within our network. We also work with our HR team to ensure that the needs of LGBTQ+ employees are addressed throughout the employee lifecycle.
All members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies are welcome, including bisexual people, LGBTQ+ people of colour or of faith, trans and non-binary people, and we work actively to support their inclusion in the network and in the firm. All employees are warmly encouraged to participate – both LGBTQ+ people and allies, in all of OC&C’s offices.
Partnerships
We appreciate that there is a huge opportunity to go further and contribute to LGBTQ+ communities beyond our own offices. We are very pleased to be working in partnership with two charities: Just Like Us and SpeakOut Boston. Just Like Us is a UK-based charity which works with schools to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and tackle homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. SpeakOut Boston is the USA’s oldest LGBTQ+ speaker’s bureau which uses the power of storytelling to help people understand and challenge homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in schools, workplaces and faith groups. OC&C is proud to be a founding member of their Sponsorship Circle. We offer both financial and in-kind support to these organisations through training their volunteers and offering strategic advice on a pro bono basis.
We were also delighted to be named one of Stonewall’s Top 100 LGBTQ+ inclusive employers in the UK in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and to be given a gold award. We have been part of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme for several years and are pleased that the work we have done to build a more LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace has been recognised.
If you have any questions about the LGBTQ+ network please get in touch at:
"It’s fantastic to work in an environment where I feel so welcome as a queer woman because it allows me to flourish and be the best that I can be."
Chessy
Associate Partner