LGBTQI+
We believe that every LGBTQI+ member of our community must be treated fairly and equally. In 2020, our former CEO Alan Jope signed the Declaration of Amsterdam, a global statement of support for LGBTQI+ rights and we joined Open for Business, a coalition of leading global companies to show we mean business on taking action on LGBTQI+ inclusion globally. Working with Stonewall, we audit our policies and procedures to benchmark how we are progressing on LGBTQI+ inclusion in our workplace.
In 2021, we were awarded 'Gold Employer' (top 100), and third place in the Retail/FMCG category in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index. We were also shortlisted as one for the 'Top 10 Inclusive Companies' by the British LGBT Awards.
Our global LGBTQI+ network, proUd, has a clear mission statement, “We will be a beacon of inclusion for the LGBTQI+ community and allies, amplifying their voice in society and at Unilever, to enable them to be their true, authentic selves.”
We will make Unilever the most inclusive company for the LGBTQI+ community by:
- Building a network of peer support and allies to help everyone to bring their true self to work
- Creating a more inclusive and safer place to work and develop your career for everyone
- Supporting brand activations and communications, and company policies and training to be more representative and inclusive of the community.
- Building strong external partnerships with other employee networks and organisations supporting the LGBTQI+ community
In UK and Ireland, we show our support for the LGBTQI+ community through events and activities during key Pride moments and throughout the year. Each year we support Pride events across the UK and Ireland partner with LGBTQI+ charities, such as Switchboard, to help raise awareness of the support they offer to the community.
Richard Sharp
In the UK & Ireland our proUd network is championed by Richard Sharp, Head of HR UKI and Head of Unilever UK.