Network Buzz Issue 6

presents

BUZZ

ISSUE 6 | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2015 www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk | @IncNetworks

COVER STAR

WE’RE BAKING UP A STORM WITH BAKE OFF FAVOURITE

HOWARD MIDDLETON

INTERVIE SPECIAL WS AND FEATURE S

BEHIND THE NETWORK

THE NETWORK OF NETWORKS

INSPIRATION WE MEET

FUNKE ABIMBOLA

+

AWESOME NETWORKS | 5 MINUTES WITH MATT CAIN | DIVERSITY CALENDAR YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY LGBT STAFF NETWORK | COURTNEY ACT + MORE

YOUR DIVERSITY STATION The best music mix and community news in Scotland Listen to us on

WWW.XPRESSRADIO.SCOT Find us on XpressRadioScotland #XpressScotland SPONSORED BY

JACQUI GAVIN, DARREN POP, DANIEL TWIST, LACY RAIN, IAIN SHARKEY, AJ, BENEDICT GARRETT, JAMIE LOVE, LAFAUNDA COX, CHRIS COSTELLO, BRUCE FRASER, PAUL WOODLAND, IAN YOUNG, CAROLINE REID, CIARA DEMPSEY, ADAM ROBINSON,

JUVAN SHANNON, RAMONA DJEBALI, CHARLY HOUSTON, DAVID SINCLAIR

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| Network Buzz Issue 6 | September - October 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

BUZZ The UK’s first magazine for

Network Groups

19-21 14-15

4| 7|

Welcome to Network Buzz Black History Month

8-9 |

Interview : Matt Cain

11-13 | 14-15 |

Awesome Networks Interview :

16-17 |

Funke Abimbola Eat, drink and support

18 |

charity. Get involved.

National Coming Out Day

19-21 |

Cover Star Interview : Howard Middleton

23-27 | 28-29 |

Network Eye The Network of Networks

30 | 32-35 |

IN Groups : Inspiration Interview : Andy Law - York St John University LGBT Network

36 | 37 |

The IN List Interview : Courtney Act

32-35 23-27 37

8-9

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST AND KEEP UPDATED ON OUR EVENTS, PUBLICATIONS, NEWS AND COMPETITIONS. REGISTER AT www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

38-42 |

Inclusive Networks Awards

43 |

Molly : Confidence to be yourself

44 |

IN Scotland

47 |

Competitions

@IncNetworks | September - October 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 6 | 4

EDITOR’S INTRODUCTION

Our celebration issue

Welcome to Network Buzz A warm welcome to all of our 'Friends of Inclusive Networks', we're delighted to have you with us.

I hope you’ve had a great Summer whatever you’ve been up to. It’s been a Summer of lots of changes for me, all thankfully positive.

After eight years of living in the wonderful Manchester me and my partner Matthew recently relocated to the very beautiful city of Edinburgh. I’ve only been based here a few weeks but I’m loving it and I can’t wait to get involved with lots of diversity focussed charities and community groups and to attend many of the networking events that take place across the country.

Inclusive Networks and OUT in the UK will shortly launch our very own Scotland based and focused initiatives that will include events, lots of new country specific content as well as an expansion on our existing reward and recognition initiatives. We have lots to do and I can’t wait to reveal more. If you know of any Scotland based charities,

community groups and network groups that you think I should know about, please let me know about them.

There has been lots of celebrating over the last month as we’ve announced our new list of Awesome Networks completing our #Awesome100. I smiled a lot over the course of the list big reveal and it was great to see how much the recognition meant to lots of networks. The list is certainly a diverse one. All is revealed in this very issue. Thank you to everyone that nominated.

After nine months of nominating we also revealed the shortlist for our inaugural Inclusive Networks Awards earlier this month. Wow. An exceptional group of networks, people and organisations make up the shortlist and our awesome judges have a lot to consider when deciding the winners. There are so many people doing amazing things around the UK. Great work everyone.

WWW | www.facebook.com/inclusivenetworks & /OUTintheUK | @IncNetworks | @OUTintheUK | @NetworkBuzzMag | info@inclusivenetworksuk.co.uk | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk Editor & Chief Executive Thomas Anderson @thomasinmanc thomas@inclusivenetworksuk.co.uk Advertising info@inclusivenetworksuk.co.uk Inclusive Networks & OUT in the UK logos Designers Up North www.designersupnorth.com

Contributors Thank you to everyone that spared the time to contribute to our sixth edition. It wouldn’t have all been possible without this incredible support. Big thanks to my partner Matthew for his continued support.

A special thank you to everyone that has supported the awards so far, including our sponsors and supporters as well as our judges for their time and to everyone that took the time to nominate. You don’t have long to wait until the winners are announced - we’ll be doing this at our special awards reception on 19th November. Tickets to this authentic and people focused event are available to purchase now - read on for more info.

This issue will be the final issue of Network Buzz of 2015 as the next Inclusive Networks publication will be our very special Inclusive Networks Awards programme. I hope you enjoy the issue.

Thomas Thomas Anderson

Network Buzz Editor & Founder & Chief Executive of Inclusive Networks and George House Trust Ambassador @thomasinmanc

18,300 + followers T H A N K

Y O U

Disclaimer ©2015 OUT in the UK Ltd registered in England and Wales no. 08975724 All rights reserved. Material is strictly copyright.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from OUT in the UK Ltd is forbidden. We’ve taken great care to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine but we cannot accept responsibility for omissions or errors. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of OUT in the UK Ltd. Images included of people do not indicate their sexuality.

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| Network Buzz Issue 6 | September - October 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

Shining a light on network groups A unique event where we’ll be celebrating and rewarding the network groups, employees, allies and organisations who are making a positive difference in the workplace and beyond.

Find out who’s shortlisted at www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk/awards Awards reception on 19th November, Band on the Wall, Manchester Presented by

Charity partner

@IncNetworks | September - October 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 6 | 6

Check out the useful Diversity Calendar on our website at www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk/ diversity-calendar

RBS

We’ve brought together a selection of upcoming diversity and celebration dates that may be of interest to you, your employees and your network group members. A great way to engage with your members and beyond!

23rd September

Bisexual Visibility Day Don’t forget the ‘B’ in LGBT

First observed in 1999, the day is a call for the bisexual community, their friends and supporters to recognise and celebrate bisexuality, bisexual history, culture and people.

People individually and collectively celebrate and mark the date in all sorts of ways: dinner parties, flag-flying, talks, film screenings, masked balls, balloon launches and more.

How will you mark the day in 2015? Some

flag was The bisexual Michael designed by .

Page in 1998

ideas could include flying the bisexual flag from your building, printing out the flag and displaying this around your workplace with some facts and images of famous bisexual people, hosting an event with the theme of bisexuality, publishing

Getting involved Supporting diversity and inclusion

an article on your intranet about the day and if you have a Twitter account, why not be visible about your support and tweet your support on the day - it will mean a lot to your members that identify as bisexual.

Find out more at www.bivisibilityday.com

October

Down Syndrome Awareness Month Change attitudes October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a chance to spread awareness. During the month of October, celebrate people with Down syndrome and make people aware of their abilities and accomplishments. It’s not about celebrating disabilities, it’s about celebrating abilities.

Find out more at www.downs-syndrome.org.uk

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| Network Buzz Issue 6 | September - October 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

BLACK HISTORY MONTH We need you October is Black History Month.

The month recognises and celebrates the inspirational individuals and events that have shaped black history.

During Black History Month many organisations and network groups remember and celebrate the inspiring and influential people who have shaped the past and contributed to making todays society more inclusive.

If you’d like to contribute to our editorial and features that we have planned to celebrate the month, we’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch with us by emailing info@inclusivenetworksuk.co.uk

Will you be celebrating Black Histor y Month in October?

@IncNetworks | September - October 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 6 | 8

5 O

MINUTES WITH

MATT CAIN He spent ten years making arts and entertainment programmes for ITV, including documentaries about Ian McKellen, Sam Taylor-Johnson, Will Young and Carol Ann Duffy for The South Bank Show.

In July 2010, Matt stepped in front of the camera to become Channel 4 News’ first ever Culture Editor, a role in which he attracted acclaim for his coverage of the Women’s Prize for Fiction, the Mercury Music Prize and the Turner Prize, as well as interviews with Grayson Perry, the Spice Girls, Pedro Almodóvar and Emeli Sandé, and an exclusive look inside Lucian Freud's studio following the artist's death.

In July 2013, Matt left Channel 4 News to become a full-time writer. His first novel, Shot Through the Heart, was published by Pan Macmillan in April 2014. The second, Nothing but Trouble, followed in July 2015.

INTERVIEW BY THOMAS ANDERSON

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| Network Buzz Issue 6 | September - October 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

Connect with Matt // www.mattcainwriter.com // @MattCainWriter

What would you spend your last £10 on?

I'd probably have to download some of my favourite Madonna tracks and give them one last listen. Say what you like about her, her music got me through my childhood and has helped me out at several difficult stages of my life. So if I was down to my last tenner I might need another quick blast to see me through!

When did you last get star struck?

I was been lucky enough to meet some big stars when I worked in telly but the only person who ever left me star struck was Kate Ford, who plays Tracy Barlow, my all-time favourite character in Corrie and the inspiration for every bitch I've ever written!

You're stuck in Groundhog Day and you're going to have to read the same book for eternity. What book would you never get tired of reading?

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. It re-works Greek mythology into the most beautiful love story between demi-god Achilles and his devoted companion Patroclus. It's romantic, sexy and totally magnificent and its ending always leaves me bereft.

down around her. It was inspired by my own years of selfdestruction, which I wrote about recently for Buzzfeed.

And I feel so proud that it's now out in the world and readers are contacting me to let me know what they think.

When are you at your happiest?

When I’m sitting at home with my cat Nelly writing comedy scenes for my next book - or inventing hot heroes and then enticing them into my fictional bedroom.

“I was been lucky enough to meet some big stars when I worked in telly but the only person who ever left me star struck was Kate Ford, who plays Tracy Barlow (Corrie).”

What was the last song you had stuck in your head?

It's Raining Men, the Geri Halliwell version (obviously).

It's my karaoke standard and when I was the arts correspondent at Channel 4 News I used to dance around the newsroom singing it to our weatherman Liam Dutton. He always pretended to be embarrassed but I think he secretly loved it.

The most embarrassing thing you’ve done in public...

What was the last movie you watched at the cinema?

I was looking after my brother's children at the start of the Summer holidays and took them to see Ant-Man. I love all the Marvel films and this was one of the best although I was surprised to find myself fancying the baddie much more than the hot superhero. I'm not sure what that says about me...

God where would I start? I used to have a horrendous health condition that made my heart cut out all the time.

I have a pacemaker and it's fixed now but for years I'd collapse often several times a day and often in public - in job interviews, on stage, on first dates, in restaurants, at the theatre, you name it. Obviously each time it was really dramatic but horrendously embarrassing too.

What are you most looking forward to?

Waiter, please bring me...

What’s the most memorable event you’ve been to in the last six months?

A gin and tonic as an aperitif, red wine during dinner and then an Amoretto as a digestif. Sorry, I know they're all boring choices but I promise I'd make up for it by providing the excitement in other ways!

What was the last thing you did for charity?

I shared my story on RUComingOut. It's a great website and I felt proud to be able to do it, although I felt really emotional going back over my story.

Going away and conking out on a beach somewhere soon. I've just finished writing my third novel for next year so have done three back-to-back and now feel like I need to just lie on a beach and shut down my system before I can kick-start it back into action in the Autumn.

I'd have to say Attitude magazine's inaugural Pride awards, which honoured heroes from within the LGBT community rather than just celebrities. Some of their stories were so moving and inspiring and a reminder that even though we've come so far there's still a lot of work to be done. I felt proud to be a part of it.

What’s your proudest moment?

Writing then releasing my new book Nothing But Trouble. It's a glamorous thriller about a straight-talking popstar whose wild lifestyle lands her in a position where everything she's worked so hard for could come crashing

NOTHING BUT TROUBLE : OUT NOW Available to purchase online and in all good book shops.

Published by Pan Macmillan

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| Network Buzz Issue 6 | September - October 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

OUR AWESOME 100 WE’RE DELIGHTED TO PUBLISH THE SECOND AND FINAL AWESOME NETWORKS LIST OF 2015. 60 NEW NETWORKS COMPLETE OUR #AWESOME100 The first list of its kind, it aims to celebrate the positive impact that network groups of all types and from all sectors have and also thank those people who selflessly coordinate the networks, with many doing this on top of their day jobs.

Following the publication of the first list in February, network members and their supporters have been enthusiastically nominating their networks to be recognised. The list represents the diversity of network groups from all over the UK ranging from employee networks including the ‘Breakthrough’ network at Lloyds Banking Group and ‘Shine LGBT +’, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) network at Fujitsu to the ‘Defence Stammering Network’ at The Army and the ‘Fraud Women’s Network’ who bring together women involved in all aspects of fraud prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution.

2015

Well done to all the networks recognised.

You’re awesome!

Thomas Anderson Inclusive Networks Founder and Chief Executive, said: “Following the publication of our first Awesome Networks list in February it has been wonderful to hear of many of our Awesome Networks connecting and supporting each other, as well as many organisations without networks approaching them for tips and advice.”

“The diversity of the nominations received is a celebration of the many authentic networks around the UK that have

each made their mark and have a real positive impact on those people who engage with them. From my personal experience, it is very clear that networks of all types can enhance the lives of those people who engage with them, as well as be of great value to the organisations that many of the networks represent.”

“More and more organisations are seeing the value of investing in network groups. That’s a great thing as we know that many people are attracted to organisations who have visible and active network groups or visibly support them. They also have a positive impact on employee engagement and staff retention. They really shout ‘that’s a great place to work, where all employees are supported, can be themselves and there is investment and commitment to workplace inclusion’. It makes business sense to support and develop network groups.”

Nominations to be recognised as a 2016 Awesome Network are now open. You can nominate up until 11:59pm on 31st March 2016 and we’ll be announcing the first 2016 Awesome Networks in May 2016.

If you know of a network you think is awesome and should be recognised and celebrated, then let us know about them.

For more information and to nominate visit www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk/awards/awesomenetworks/

@IncNetworks | September - October 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 6 | 12

2015

BiPhoria Black Solicitors Network

HSC Public Health Agency : Health and Social Care LGBT Staff Forum

BNY Mellon : Prism

I AM Networking

Brown Brothers Harriman : European Women’s Network

InterEngineering InterMedia

Chicks With Bricks Ladies in London (LiL) Christian Police Association City Hindus Network

Lady Val’s Professional Women’s Network

Deloitte : Deloitte Multicultural Network

LGBT Leaders

Dyfed-Powys Police : LGBT Staff Network

Link LGBT Insurance Network

EY : EY Dyslexia Network

Lloyds Banking Group : Access

EY : EY Women’s Network

Lloyds Banking Group : Breakthrough

Forever Manchester : First Friday Networking

Transport for London’s #RideWithPriide 2015 family of vehicles

“It’s fantastic news to have made it onto the 2015 Awesome Networks list. The work that Inclusive Networks does to highlight the effort that staff networks do is phenomenal, and I’m incredibly proud that OUTbound has joined this esteemed list of hardworking and dedicated network groups.”

Martyn Loukes BEM Chair of the OUTbound network at Transport for London

Lloyds Banking Group : Group Ethnic Minority (GEM)

Fraud Women’s Network Fujitsu : Shine LGBT+ Network

Lloyds Banking Group : Rainbow : The LGBT Professional Network

Fujitsu : Women at Fujitsu Network

Manchester Lesbian and Gay Chorus

Green Party : Young Greens

Muslim Counsellor and Psychotherapist Network

OUR AWESOME NETWORKS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES, JUST LIKE THE EY SIKH NETWORK.

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| Network Buzz Issue 6 | September - October 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

Sodexo’s Generations in action

2015

View the full list with lots more quotes from our winners at www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk/ awards/awesomenetworks-2015-pt-2/ “We’re thrilled to be named an Awesome Network. This is the latest accolade for our Generations Network, which was also a winner at the ENEI Awards and a BITC Responsible Business Awards finalist. The Generations Network is unique in bringing together people from across our 34,000-strong workforce to build understanding and address issues around intergenerational working. As with other Awesome Networks, our activities are helping teams work better together and improving employee engagement.”

Stephen Marshall Network Lead, Sodexo Generations Network

North East London NHS Foundation Trust : Ethnic Minority Staff Network Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Black and Minority Ethnic Staff Development Network Ogilvy Group UK : Ogilvy Labs

The Network of Networks (TNON) The University of Bradford : n-able, Disabled Network The University of Bristol : LGBT+ Society The University of Nottingham : Women’s Network

Parliament (UK) : ParliABLE PayPal : PayPal Pride

The University of Sheffield : Women@TUoS NETwork

Proud2Be Project

Trans*formation

Radius

Transport for London : OUTbound

Royal Navy : Compass, LGBT Network

USDAW

Sodexo : Generations Network

UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office : FLAGG

Standard Life : Young Persons’ Development Network

Village Drinks

Swansea University : LGBT+ Staff Network

Vodafone : Vodafone Women’s Network

The Armed Forces : Defence Stammering Network

We Are The City

The Co-operative Bank : Proud Together

West Midlands Police : LGBT Network WILL (Women in Law London)

The Environment Agency : Women’s Network The Metropolitan Black Police Association

York St John University: LGBT Staff Network

@IncNetworks | September - October 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 6 | 14

FUNKE ABIMBOLA

INT ERV IEW

Funke has worked as a corporate lawyer both in the City and within regional law firms. She joined Roche in 2012 and is a recognised legal expert. A role model to many, she regularly speaks at conferences and is a real champion for up and coming talent in the legal sector. She’s shortlisted for the ‘Inspiring Member of the Year’ award at our inaugural Inclusive Networks Awards.

INTERVIEW BY THOMAS ANDERSON

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| Network Buzz Issue 6 | September - October 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

IN Role Model . IN Role Model . IN Role Model What does an average day look like for you?

There is no typical day for me because of the variety within my role at Roche and the scope of my interests and activities outside of work. As well as leading my legal team, I also have a commercial role as deployment lead for England on a market access project. In addition, I am data privacy officer for the UK and company secretary for 18 companies. So my day could involve advising on any one or more of the areas of law that affect our pharmaceutical business (for example, general commercial law, data protection, competition law, intellectual property law and corporate compliance and company secretarial matters). Coaching, mentoring and motivating my team is a key part of my role – I take a real interest in my team members and dedicate time to supporting, encouraging and developing them in any way that I can. Outside of work, I devote a lot of my spare time to campaigning for and championing more diversity within the legal profession and this could involve speaking to 300 women solicitors at the Law Society about the importance of networking and visibility or addressing a group of 150 school children to share my personal story and my journey to where I am or speaking to University students considering a career in law. I mentor and coach students and solicitors outside of work. I am also raising a 12 year old son and will sometimes have to go to his school in the evening for a parents’ evening or school concert as well as making sure he has done his homework and not forgotten his PE uniform. As you can see, it is very difficult to describe a typical day!

over 15 years. I am also a member of the Women Lawyers’ division of the Law Society and play an active part in supporting the development of women solicitors. In addition, I am a member of the Black Solicitors’ Network, the WILL Network (Women in Law London) and the network of Professional Ambassadors as part of Aspiring Solicitors. All of these networks have not only played a key part in supporting me but have also become an important avenue for me to support others. My network of working mums has been a huge source of support and encouragement through the ups and downs of parenting, as has been my personal network of friends and family.

What advice would you give to someone sat at home thinking they’d love to attend a networking event but don’t really have anyone to go with or may be a bit nervous about what to expect?

I would say be brave and go on your own if necessary! Provided that this is a networking event you are genuinely interested in attending, go with an open mind. You are unlikely to be the only one who is coming alone. When you get there, start a conversation with someone on their own or ask to join a group of people – they won’t say no!

Talk about general things – current affairs, hobbies, sport etc. – and focus

“Outside of work, I devote a lot of my spare time to campaigning for and championing more diversity within the legal profession.”

Has being a part of a network provided you with any personal and professional support?

Definitely! I have been a member of the Association of Women Solicitors for

Do you enjoy networking?

I enjoy networking tremendously because it is an opportunity to meet new, like-minded people, to learn from each other and to support each other.

There are a couple of events that are real highlights for me. The first time I spoke to over 200 women solicitors at the Law Society about the importance of networking and visibility was extraordinary. I felt so privileged to be in a position to share my personal experiences and to motivate and inspire others. The other event was the launch of the WILL Network, an excellent event where the key note speakers were the 5 members of the WILL committee as well as Dame Fiona Woolf and MaryAnn Wright, Chair of the Women Lawyers’ Division. The event was well attended, well organised and there was a real buzz and sense of optimism about the launch of the network. It doesn’t get much better than that really!

on getting to know others as individuals rather than seeing them purely as future clients or customers. For example, my love of rugby (my son has played rugby since he was 5 and at one stage I was helping with coaching his rugby team) has led to more introductions and business opportunities than the fact that I am a lawyer known for what I do!

Don’t aim to exchange business cards with 50 people but aim to exchange a handful of business cards with those you have had quality conversations with and can then follow up with afterwards.

Show a genuine interest in others and ask them what they do. And remember – you have just as much a right to be there as anyone else in the room so make good use of the opportunity.

CONNECT WITH FUNKE ON TWITTER @DIVERSITYCHAMP1

READ OUR FULL INTERVIEW WITH FUNKE AT WWW.INCLUSIVENETWORKS.CO.UK/FEATURES FROM 17 SEPTEMBER 2015.

@IncNetworks | September - October 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 6 | 16

EVENTS:THINGSTODO:INITIATIVESTOSUPPORT:OUTANDABOUT Check out the useful Events Calendar on our website at www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk/ in-out-events/

GET INVOLVED Events and initiatives that support charity.

Support them and have fun at the same time.

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| Network Buzz Issue 6 | September - October 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK THEMED

The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning 25TH SEPTEMBER The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is Macmillan’s biggest fundraising event for people facing cancer. They ask people all over the UK to host their own Coffee Mornings and donations on the day are made to Macmillan. Last year alone

CAKETOBER THROUGHOUT OCTOBER Caketober is a month long celebration combining the perfect pairing of cakes and fancy dress. Forever Manchester are inviting companies, organisations and groups of friends to put on a bake sale and don their finest fancy dress day in their office, building or home. Gather together your colleagues and

they raised £25 million and this year they are aiming to raise even more.

Hosting your own Coffee Morning is easy. All you have to do is sign up and they’ll send you a free Coffee Morning Kit, packed with all the things you need to host a wonderful event. It makes everything from inviting your friends to raising money a piece of cake.

Find out more at coffee.macmillan.org.uk

friends and pick a day in October when you’d like to host your Caketober event. Not one guilty calorie will be consumed throughout the month of October, so you’re hereby give permission to put down the kale smoothie, ditch the cabbage soup and quinoa, pick up a whisk and get baking to raise funds for

community groups across Greater Manchester.

Over the last 25 years Forever Manchester have delivered over £35million into local communities benefiting 1.1million people.

Find out more at caketober.com

BRITAIN’S BEST BREAKFAST THROUGHOUT 2015 Britain's Best Breakfast is charity Carers Trust national fundraising campaign to raise money to help them support more unpaid carers and give them a break from their caring role. They want to encourage people to wake up to the issue of caring. They are asking you to invite your friends and family to join you for breakfast this year and raise money for Carers Trust.

They want people to have fun, eat breakfast, and raise a (piece of) toast to carers. Today, 1 in 10 of us is a carer. That’s

nearly 7 million people. So even if you aren’t a carer yourself, it’s likely you know someone who needs the support of Carers Trust.

Caring is Britain’s Biggest Challenge. Britain’s Biggest Challenge needs Britain’s Best Breakfast.

Find out more at britainsbestbreakfast.org

IN / OUT EVENTS LET US KNOW ABOUT YOUR EVENTS : info@inclusivenetworksuk.co.uk

@IncNetworks | September - October 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 6 | 18

11TH OCTOBER

NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY Need support coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender? These organisations are on hand to give you the support you need.

You’re not alone!

LGBT Foundation, formerly known as The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (The LGF), is a national charity delivering a wide range of services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities.

R U Coming Out inspires, supports and unites those who are living their lives either completely, or partially in the closet. The main focus of this website is the collection of real life coming out stories.

Stonewall are a leading charity that are there to let all lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) people, here and abroad, know they're not alone. The charity supports those who can’t yet be themselves.

lgbt.foundation @LGBTfdn 0345 3 30 30 30

rucomingout.com @RUComingOut

stonewall.org.uk @StonewallUK 020 7593 1850

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| Network Buzz Issue 6 | September - October 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

Cover Star Interview

HOWARD MIDDLETON HOWARD CAME TO OUR ATTENTION ON SERIES 4 OF MEGA HIT TV SHOW GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF - HE WAS A FAVOURITE FOR MANY. HE’S JUST PUBLISHED HIS NEW BOOK OF GLUTEN FREE RECIPES AND WE CAUGHT UP WITH HIM TO TALK BAKE OFF, HIS OWN STINT AT JUDGING AND OF COURSE HIS AWESOME NEW BOOK. INTERVIEW BY THOMAS ANDERSON

@IncNetworks | September - October 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 6 | 20

Your career path before Bake-Off wasn’t baking or cooking related. Did you ever contemplate a career in cooking?

Probably not. My degree was in interior design and I've also worked as a graphic designer, so it's always been important for me to do something creative. But I've often dreamed of owning a very stylish little B&B, which would enable me to use my design skills and I'd get to cook breakfast too!

When did you get interested in baking? Would you call yourself a natural talent?

I've always been interested in baking and cooking. I learned the basics as a child from my mum, but I've also been fascinated by different ingredients and cuisines. I grew up at a time when some of the ingredients we take for granted nowadays (red peppers, good olive oil, avocados) had only just started to become readily available, which makes me feel very old! I'll leave it to others to decide if I have any talent - natural or otherwise!

Did you have any role models growing up?

I think role models are hugely important. I knew I was "different" before I had the vocabulary to describe it. Studying art at school and later at college, I recognised a stronger attraction to the male form, so David Hockney was a role model - a Yorkshire man with a similar eye and a sense of adventure.

Were you encouraged by your family to follow your dreams?

Very much so. My family has always encouraged me to do whatever makes me happy. I'm lucky to have that support.

You were a real highlight to many people on Series4 of Bake Off. What was your highlight from your time appearing on the show?

After I cut my thumb in the first programme, I feared I was going out before I even got started. So just staying in was a highlight!

Yes, I'm still in touch with the other bakers - we're regularly in contact but sadly don't get to meet up as often as we'd like.

How has life changed for you since your time on Great British Bake Off? It's been amazing. I've had some fantastic opportunities and people love the programme so much, so I'm fortunate to have a share of that affection too. I never expected to be doing demos, teaching and writing, but I love it.

Are you enjoying this years series?

Howard’s new book is available to buy now.

AVAILABLE FROM

LITTLE, BROWN AMAZON WATERSTONES BOOKTOPIA BOOKWORLD GOOD BOOK STORES

Why did you decide to write a gluten-free book?

I've always been interested in alternative ingredients and I like the challenge of producing things for different diets while keeping them tasty and appealing. My first bake on the Bake Off was a gluten-free cake and people just kept asking me for more glutenfree recipes. But I hope that I've created things that everyone can enjoy - not just those eating gluten free.

Does a cake or bake being gluten free mean it’s not as tasty?

I absolutely loved Sandy - I wanted her to win and I was devastated when she left. I loved her sense of humour and her individuality. I can't wait to go for a drink with her. I think there are some very talented bakers still in the tent though.I'd advise them to expect the unexpected and to grab life by the cream horns.

I think that's the preconception of many people. That's why we called the book "Delicious" to challenge that notion. Shops and restaurants are beginning to offer more choice but there's still a way to go.

We’d love to know more about your new book. You must be very excited?

My Blue Lavender and Amaranth Cake has proved very popular at recent demos and is featured on the cover. I also like savoury recipes like my Indian Canapés and I've a soft spot for some of the quirkier recipes. I've had fun with some of the names and descriptions - there's more than a hint of innuendo!

Yes, it is exciting. The whole process of writing, editing and publishing has been an amazing journey of discovery. I took all the photos inside the book too, so it really feels like it's 'my baby'.

Do you have a personal favourite recipe?

CONNECT WITH HOWARD | HOWARDMIDDLETON.COM | @HOWARDMIDDLEBUN

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| Network Buzz Issue 6 | September - October 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

Howard Middleton article photo credit : Kirsten Johnson

“My first bake on the Bake Off was a glutenfree cake and people just kept asking me for more gluten-free recipes. But I hope that I've created things that everyone can enjoy not just those eating gluten free.”

You’ve been a judge at one of our #AwesomeNetworks Village Bakers annual Bake-Off for the last few years. Have you enjoyed the experience?

It's amazing fun. This year's event was great - the atmosphere was fantastic and the bakers are so friendly. I also had the chance to meet Bethany Black - she's absolutely lovely and I was starstruck.

Is being on the other side and judging other peoples bakes something that comes easy to you?

No it's not easy at all, because people put a lot of effort into their baking and anyone who enters a competition wants to do well, so you have to be sensitive to this. We were looking for that combination of taste, texture and a touch of the wow factor. It's heartbreaking when someone has clearly spent hours on the presentation, but the bake itself isn't great.

Have all the bakes been a pleasurable experience to taste?

Sadly not. It's all too common for people to give their cakes an extra five minutes, "just to be sure" and you end up facing one dry cake after another. At the other extreme, I judged a local bake off where someone had made a chocolate Guinness cake and it

literally tasted like they'd taken a chocolate cake and poured a pint over it.

How important do you think inclusive social networking groups like Village Bakers are?

They're really important. I think it's great to see people socialising and supporting each other with a common interest. The winner of this year's Village Bake Off was a newcomer, so the group can also act as a great confidence booster.

Do you enjoy networking?

I used to be a dreadful networker - very shy and not really knowing what to say. Fortunately, being on GBBO is a great social group itself - it almost forces you to mix with people and once you do you realise that it can be very enjoyable.

The Village Bake Off is shortlisted for one of our inaugural Inclusive Networks Awards. Do you have a good luck message for the team and everyone shortlisted for awards?

Oh, good luck to everyone but I hope the Village Bakers win!

A FRUITY SNACK THAT’S GLUTEN FREE, HEALTHY AND SUITABLE FOR VEGANS : GET FRUITY We’re delighted to have the support of Get Fruity who will be treating all guests at our Inclusive Networks Awards to one of their delicious and healthy fruit bars.

Thanks Get Fruity! You can buy your own bars at www.getfruitybar.co.uk

| Network Buzz Issue 4 | April - May 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

INFORMATION

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| Network Buzz Issue 6 | September - October 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

IN groups : In Issue5 of Network Buzz we highlighted the inspiring and fantastic work of lots of network groups all over the UK. We’re thrilled that lots of networks continue to respond to our open invitation for news and snippets for future issues.

There was lots going on for networks all over the UK this Summer with many networks getting involved with and supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender events around the UK. The Summer also saw many MELA festivals taking place up and down the UK, although support from network groups and corporate organisations for these events wasn’t so visible. Will we see this change in 2016?

Big thanks to everyone that submitted news and updates for this issue. Keep checking our website and follow us on Twitter for lots more network group related content. Well done to all of the active network groups who continue to support inclusion in the workplace and beyond. Great work!

Keep them coming!

Email us your network news and updates to info@inclusivenetworksuk.co.uk

@IncNetworks | September - October 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 6 | 24

Network Eye : Celebrating network groups

Look! It’s D rR This Mor nin anj off g itv Pride members smiling with pride at London Pride on 28th June 2015. Can you spot any familiar faces?

itv Pride get a fresh new look itv Pride, the inclusive lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) network for media giant itv recently unveiled their awesome new network logo.

“...something that the whole company can be proud of.”

We loved it as soon as we saw it and immediately shared it via our @OUTintheUK account and it appears you like it to as the tweet received an impressive 98 likes and shares.

Matt Scarff, Director of ITV Creative and Events and Chair of ITV Pride, said :

"I'm so pleased with our fantastic new identity for ITV Pride, designed by ITV Creative. We've successfully combined the iconic Pride rainbow with the ITV brand identity to create a brand that is contemporary, bold and fresh and something that the whole company can be proud of.”

You can find out more about itv Pride and the wider diversity initiatives at itv at itvresponsibility.com/ responsibility/

The Girls Network is growing It’s been a very exciting time at The Girls’ Network over the Summer. Not only have the team trained even more fantastic mentors, but they have moved to their very

own office (thanks to South Thames College) and three new members have joined their team. Ali and Rachelle have joined the team as Network Managers

for London and Brighton, and Lori as Network Manager for Portsmouth.

Good luck in your new roles. www.thegirlsnetwork.org.uk @TheGirlsNet

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| Network Buzz Issue 6 | September - October 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

Share your work with us on Twitter // @IncNetworks and @OUTintheUK

CHARITY NEWS SCOTMID ANNOUNCE THEIR CHARITY OF THE YEAR : Charity Alzheimer Scotland have been chosen as the 2015-16 Charity of the Year by the Scotmid Co-operative family of businesses who aim to raise £250,000 to support the work of Dementia Advisors in Scotland, the north of England and Northern Ireland and to support their efforts to create dementia-friendly communities.

Find out more at www.alzscot.org/scotmid

Action for Children launch their role model guide With contributions from colleagues from around the charity, Action for Children recently launched their brand new ‘Role model guide’.

The Role Mode l guide

HELP IS COMING : As reported by the BBC, Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch is supporting a drive to raise money for Syrian refugees, by lending his support to the release of a charity single. He is introducing a short video called Help is Coming, which accompanies the Crowded House track of the same name. The single is available now on iTunes and will available on 7" from The Vinyl Factory from 29 September. We’ll be showing our support!

Claire said : “I truly believe that Role Models are integral to ensuring an inclusive organisation that promotes and values its diverse workforce. I am delighted to introduce the Celebrate Role Model guide and hope that you enjoy the journeys of Action for Children’s inspirational role models.”

Role models are a source of learning for colleagues and in the guide many share their experiences of equality and diversity.

You can vie w the guid e and find about the w out more ider divers ity initiativ for Childre es at Actio n at n www.actio nforchildre n.org.uk/re publication sources-an s/informati do n -g u id inclusion/ es/diversit y-andFollow Cele brate on Tw itter @Cele brateLGBT

STONEWALL HAVE A NEW LOOK WEBSITE : Leading lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender charity Stonewall have launched their brand new website. It features lots of new features and is much easier to navigate. Well done team!

Find out more at www.stonewall.org.uk

What really stood out for us is that the introduction to the guide isn’t by the Chief Executive (who does feature in the guide) but

by Claire Cahill who is the Chair of their employee network group Celebrate LGBT and Children’s Services Manager at the charity.

‘Ask yourself…’

by Deloitte We love the new respect and inclusion video

by Deloitte. ‘Ask yourself…’ was made to encourage everyone at Deloitte to think about their personal responsibility to treat people with respect.

VIDEO

environment that people can truly be at their best.

Check it out here : https://youtu.be/7G0OUHnCudw

They are working hard to ensure that they provide a working environment where everyone feels able to be themselves and can thrive, develop and succeed.

An environment in which their people are recognised and respected for their own strengths, values and perspectives. They believe that it is only within such an

o the awesome vide Screenshot from

LESBIAN? GAY? BISEXUAL? TRANS? WE’RE HERE IF YOU NEED US

0345 3 30 30 30 5 Richmond St, Manchester www.lgbt.foundation

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| Network Buzz Issue 6 | September - October 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

Network Eye : All eyes on you

IN Brief

of Cahill, Chair Above : Claire n ha ob Si Celebrate with Inclusion at of d ea H , Corria ldren.

Action for Chi with Martin Below : Claire ine the Fujitsu Sh York, Chair of ork.

LGBT+ netw

[1] Trans*formation, the professional networking group for trans employees and allies – celebrated its first birthday at the end of August. The network was named one of our Awesome Networks on the same day, a nice birthday present from us.

Find out more at www.interbanklgbtforum.co.uk/ transformation-network/ [2] The Glasgow University KC Society (pictured), also one of our Awesome Networks, hosted one of their most successful and well attended events ever on 10th September. The yoga and meditation session at Kelvingrove Park was a huge success, helped by the sunny weather and delicious vegan food. Find out more at www.facebook.com/gukcsoc [3] We’re looking forward to attending the launch of PurpleSpace on 6th October.

PurpleSpace is a new online support and learning hub for disability network leaders

and employees. The resource is being created by Kate Nash Associates and supported by organisations across the public and private sector. It will provide a focal point for sharing best practice in the delivery of networks as vibrant vehicles for organisational change. Keep updated at www.katenashassociates.com [4] Well done to Gay Police Association Scotland who were named ‘Staff Network of the Year’ at the 2015 Scottish LGBTI Awards on 10th September. Find out more at www.equality-network.org/scottishlgbti-awards/winners/

Get connected Two Awesome Networks smile with pride together Flashback to 28th June and this day brought the first collaboration of two of our 2014 Awesome Networks, Fujitsu’s LGBT network Shine and the LGBT network at charity Action for Children, Celebrate. The day was London Pride and members of the Celebrate network joined the network of their corporate sponsor Fujitsu in the parade - their entry was wonderful.

Collaborations between networks at Pride events aren’t too common so it really stood out and we loved the joining of forces to create an even more positive experience for everyone. Great work!

The collaboration continued at Manchester Pride at the end of August and as you can see from the pics above it was all smiles with the networks proudly showing off their Awesome Network recognition at the event. We were all smiles too.

Networks to follow on Twitter

T h e s e a re n e t w o r k s w e h a v e n ’t f e a t u re d i n N e t w o r k B u z z b e f o re .

@Fujitsu_UK_SEED Fujitsu SEED is the disability network at Fujitsu. Supporting and engaging with employees.

@LeedsCC_LGBT Leeds City Councils LGB&T* Staff Network and external hub group.

@CityHindus Representing Hindu professionals, charity, community and selfdevelopment.

@TFormUK Trans*formation is a networking group for trans* professionals.

They’ve recently celebrated their first birthday. They’re also one of our Awesome Networks.

@WomenInLawLon The Women In Law London (WILL) network is a cross-firm legal network that promotes and engages the next generation of women leaders in law.

Check out our website for regular network group features www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

@IncNetworks | September - October 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 6 | 28

IN Groups : Behind the network : TNON

THE NETWORK OF NETWORKS -TNONThe Network of Networks (TNON) was created to bring together employee network leaders from large corporates, professional services firms and public sector organisations in and around London for best practice sharing, topical discussions with key external diversity organisations and influencers, and also for networking opportunities between the network leaders themselves.

Dan Ricard, Co-lead of the TNON LGBT Chapter and Birgit Neu, Co-lead of the TNON Gender Chapter introduce us to TNON and how you can get involved.

DAN RICARD @Dan_Ricard

BIRGIT NEU @bneu_andu

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Find out more about the network // www.tnon.org A TNON Gender event in action

The first the network of networks (TNON) chapter started in 2009 with women’s network leaders from approximately fifteen companies around the table sharing the challenges and opportunities they were facing to find support from each other. Those original firms introduced others into this volunteer-led group with meetings continuing quarterly, and TNON Gender grew to 50+ organisations by the end of 2012. A TNON chapter for BAME network leaders was also set up that year. In 2013 TNON Gender was restructured to more effectively address the needs of its participants, and it now includes network leaders from 100+ organisations. An LGBT chapter was launched last year and already includes 75+ organisations.

TNON encourages participants to keep up the conversations outside its regular meetings. TNON Gender has a website at www.tnon.org where network leaders can connect with each other, view a list of event speakers/facilitators recommended by other networks, post questions, and find research, news and templates to support how they manage their networks.

There is currently no cost to participate in TNON. Instead, organisations are asked to volunteer to host the quarterly meetings for each individual diversity strand chapter. While each chapter has its own committee structure and meeting format, the focus across all chapters is on supporting network leaders around employee network operations and raising awareness of current issues and opportunities for the respective diversity strands.

TNON continues to evolve based on what its fastgrowing number of participants are asking for. Network leaders within TNON chapters are now joining forces on a regular basis to run joint events or share places at their internal events with other organisations. Recently one organisation also offered to open up its monthly Trans dial-in calls for its own staff to Trans staff across other TNON firms.

The first TNON event across two TNON chapters, LGBT and Gender, will share views on the top challenges for 2016 and identify areas of overlap. A TNON chapter for Working Families network leaders is also currently in development.

“One of the best things about TNON is that the network leaders involved share resources and contribute knowledge (to the extent possible whilst respecting their organisation’s IP/brand), irrespective of other individual networks’ capability to reciprocate on a similar basis,” says Vanessa Vallely, an original founder of TNON and current co-chair of TNON Gender.

“The participating networks are at different levels of maturity and have very different objectives based on their own organisations. Sometimes certain topics or views may not be common to the whole group, but the spirit of TNON is to help each other as best we can so that all the networks can get better faster and achieve more for our diversity strands.”

TNON meetings typically feature discussions about diversity strand news and research, case studies from participating networks, guest speakers on timely topics, introductions to key charities with a diversity strand focus, masterminds for peer input on specific challenges the networks are facing and even Westminster-style debates.

“TNON Gender and LGBT TNON have LinkedIn groups and Twitter lists to keep informed and in touch between meetings,” says Dan Ricard, Co-lead for LGBT TNON and GLEE@PwC. “We’re also running Twitter classes to help them take advantage of the learnings and contacts available to them on social media.”

“One network leader recently told us that they find TNON to be the most rewarding and empowering network that they are involved with.” says Birgit Neu, Co-lead of TNON Gender. “They feel they now have the tools and motivation to significantly improve the offerings within their own internal diversity networks. We’re proud that TNON is playing a big part to help networks do that, and that will become even more significant for the diversity strands as TNON continues to grow.”

If your organisation’s network leaders are interested in joining a TNON chapter in London please contact : GENER TNON : Birgit Neu or Vanessa Vallely BAME TNON : Diane Greenidge or Sophie Chandauka LGBT TNON : Dan Ricard or Alicia Millar

SHORTLISTED FOR COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR AT OUR INCLUSIVE NETWORKS AWARDS

@IncNetworks | September - October 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 6 | 30

Learn more about these awesome networks + more

www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk/groups

Cardiff University Enfys Network

RBS Focused Womens Network

The highest placing University in the 2015 Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.

The network is one of the largest employee networks in the world with around 10,000 members globally.

EY Sikh Network

WeAreTheCity

The network is the largest corporate Sikh network within the City of London, and one of the most active too. Raising awareness of the Sikh faith within the corporate environment.

Serving an audience of over 200,000 women each month in the UK and India. Their website is a great source of inspiration and top tips.

Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service ‘FirePride’

Employers Stammering Network The only network of its kind in the world. Supporting employers and employees.

The first fire and rescue service to be awarded Excellent status under the Fire and Rescue Equality Framework.

Share. Learn. Develop.

@IncNetworks | September - October 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 6 | 32

ANDY LAW

INT ERV IEW

Andy is the Secretary and co-founder of the LGBT Staff Network at York St John University. The network does lots of great work in the University and beyond. They were one of only six universities to score full marks in Stonewall’s 2015 Gay By Degree guide. The network is shortlisted for an impressive four 2015 inclusive Networks Awards.

INTERVIEW BY THOMAS ANDERSON

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Connect with the network // blog.yorksj.ac.uk/lgbt // @ysjulgbtstaff

We’d love to know more about the history of the network and how it got started?

The university prides itself on being an inclusive institution and employer, but actively seeks to improve the environment for its community. As a consequence, back in April 2013, I was approached by our Head of Human Resources (Jo Thompson) about the potential to set up an LGBT staff network. They'd trialled something a couple of years before, but unfortunately it never built momentum. I was involved in York Pride and York LGBT Forum at the time, and so was in a prime position to build something new using both my experience and the support around me. I took on the role of Acting Secretary and the Registrar (my line manager's line manager) helped in securing an excellent Acting Chair in the form of the Dean of the Faculty of Arts (Dr Fiona Thompson).

Instead of rushing into it, I wanted to get a sense of the demand for a network and an idea of what potential members felt it should look like and do. So we devised a fairly comprehensive survey, distributed this far and wide and also hosted a drop-in ideas session. This consultation formed the basis of the network's structure and initial direction. In September 2013, we held our first proper LGBT Staff Network meeting.

Why is an LGBT network needed at the University?

At our first few open meetings, discussions centred on various themes: study/work abroad, being open with students and making York St John's inclusive nature more explicit. That last theme is one of the key reasons why we need a network even in an environment that may be as inclusive as they come (which the Network’s membership reflects, with staff from positions both senior and less senior and academic and administrative, plus

a number of allies). It's all very well having a long-running culture of acceptance, but if no one talks about it, how are prospective and new members our community going to know this is a place where they can come and be themselves, without fear of prejudice? Our Network makes that very clear, both internally and externally.

The Network also provides an informed voice for consultation. Even in an accepting environment, the people leading on policy and services can't know everything - the Network can act as a critical friend as and when needed.

It's important to also be wary of the structural and institutional obstacles faced by trans and non-binary people this is an area in which most are only just beginning to adopt models of best practice (if it's even on the radar), and we're no exception. The network needs to be (and is) a strong voice for change.

What’s the purpose of the network?

In addition to the key foci outlined above, we organise events such as Queerstion Time (an LGBT-focused Question Time-style debate with prospective parliamentary candidates), a discussion on the Church and the variety of positions on gender and sexuality and a screening and question and answer session for World AIDS Day. For the last two years, we've held a stall in our central campus building raising money for regional charity North Yorkshire AIDS Action, and for York Pride this year we raised money for our SPARK scholarship fund. We also spearheaded the first ever citywide collaborative approach to LGBT History Month in York in 2014, after which I developed an independent organisation to coordinate the festival in future years – next year York will be one of six regional hubs for the National Festival of LGBT History!

We also act as a channel of communication through which our members and the local community can learn about LGBT-focused events in the city. This takes place via our blog (which acts like a fully-fledged website).

How is the network coordinated?

We have a Steering Group comprising seven staff and one student representative. Of the staff, there is a Chair (Fiona), a Secretary (me), a Social Secretary (Amy Lynch), ex officio positions for the Head of Human Resources (Jo) and the Equality and Diversity Adviser (Marije Davidson) and two general positions.

How important is social media, like Twitter, and online articles that people can access at home, to the network?

We use Twitter to promote new posts on our blog. Whilst it never seems like we get much engagement from social media - particularly in terms of interaction - the statistics show that Facebook and Twitter are respectively the second and third biggest routes through which people access our blog, just behind search engines. This won't take into account email clients - we have a mailing list through which the blog pushes all new posts - but regardless it's clearly a significant engagement tool. I think if we invested more time in it - engaging with other content creators rather than just pushing our own content out there the rewards could be even greater.

The university has a long list of Twitter accounts, ranging from specific degree programmes to faculties and teams to departments, so there was no real need for any kind of formal approval.

We simply notified the marketing team when it was set up so they could add it to their list.

ANDY IS SHORTLISTED FOR THE INSPIRING MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD AT OUR INCLUSIVE NETWORKS AWARDS.

@IncNetworks | September - October 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 6 | 34

CELEBRATING THEIR STONEWALL WEI SUCCESS

SUPPORTING PRIDE

SUPPORTING WORLD AIDS DAY

THE NETWORK WAS VISIBLE AT YORK PRIDE

SHORTLISTED FOR FOUR AWARDS

SUPPORTING STONEWALL’S #NOBYSTANDERS CAMPAIGN

• Employee LGBT Network of the Year • Inspiring Member of the Year - Andy Law • Collaboration of the Year - LGBT History Month, York St John University LGBT Staff Network, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the City of York Council • Network Champion of the Year - Jo Thompson, Head of HR

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Connect with Andy on Twitter // @AndyLaw31 Photo : Andy out and about

Do you have support from senior figures within the University and how important do you think this visible support is?

As figureheads and spokespeople for the university, visible support is really, really important. I think it's one area where we've been incredibly lucky compared with many other organisations. These are the people that convey the institution's ethos internally and externally. They set the principles to which the rest of our community are encouraged to aspire, and in our institution we have a great number of high-profile staff who act as shining beacons of inclusivity, not least our University Chaplain!

From a more cynical perspective, having a dean as our Chair gives us great credibility, and along with the Head of Human Resources and her immediate line manager and strong ally, the Director of Student and Staff Services (Emma Wilkins), we have a great pool of influence upon which to draw. We could argue in favour of a socialist model in

“The network needs to be (and is) a strong voice for change.” which we shouldn't need this level of support to make an impact, but the fact is the majority of modern organisations remain inherently hierarchical. Our ability to effect change is greatly indebted to our senior buy-in.

Congratulations on your Stonewall Workplace Equality Index placing. Does the network play a part in submitting the submission document?

Officially, oversight of developing our submission sits with the Human Resources team. However, the key people in Human Resources who deal with this are members of the steering group, so it's a bit of a grey area! There are also regular meetings between Human Resources, the Equality and Diversity Adviser and myself in the lead up to the submission, where we identify the evidence we can draw on as well as any last-minute action. On that point, following receiving feedback from Stonewall on areas for improvement, the Staff Network takes a systematic approach to developing an action plan for the next six months before the

submission phase comes around again.

Much like scoring full marks on Gay By Degree was for prospective students, for people considering working at York St John our top 100 Workplace Equality Index ranking is a really great symbol that if you come here, you will be welcomed. As a recognition of all the work that had come before it, this was our proudest moment! We're looking forward to the challenge come next year of being assessed on our trans inclusion.

What’s next for the network?

We will be using Stonewall’s benchmarks to continue to identify areas for development. We want to play a key role in addressing issues facing LGBT people both nationally and internationally; one particular issue we want to tackle is disadvantage and discrimination faced by trans people.

We’ll be keeping up our work with local and regional networks to enhance our practice, the on-campus experience and the opportunities for the community to engage in dialogue and activism around LGBT identities. Business as usual!

WE SHARE WHAT WE’RE TOLD ABOUT

cultural heritage networks. If you know a network group

Over the last six issues of Network Buzz we’ve featured a diverse range of network groups features and interviews,

that may be interested in having their work profiled and shared with thousands of people, we’d love to know about

with lots more on the way too. There are a few network group strands that have been underrepresented and we’d love to hear from more disability, faith, race, ethnicity and

them.

Drop us a line at info@inclusivenetworksuk.co.uk

@IncNetworks | September - October 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 6 | 36

things that we’re enjoying and looking forward to. you may too

the list Video online now. Share it far and wide.

Ditch the Label ‘Strong’ video Ditch the Label is an awesome anti-bullying charity. Their research shows that 1 in 2 people experience bullying at some point, but as a society, we only every talk about those who do the bullying in a negative way. They want to change that and want to help people understand some of the reasons why people bully. If we understand the reasons and encourage people to talk about it, then we can provide support before the bullying even happens. Their new video with original music by Sunday Club is something we’d recommend you watched and shared. Ditch the Label is the charity partner for our Inclusive Networks Awards.

www.ditchthelabel.org/untold-story-of-bullying-revealed-in-new-strong-video/ @DitchtheLabel

In UK cinemas 12th October

Suffragette movie Starring Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter and Meryl Streep. The movie is the powerful and thrilling first film about the remarkable untold story of the real foot soldiers of the Suffragette movement. These women were

not primarily from the genteel educated classes, they were working women who had seen peaceful protest achieve nothing.

Radicalised and turning to violence as the only route to change, they were willing to lose everything in their fight for equality - their jobs, their homes, their children and their lives. Maud (played by Carey Mulligan) was one such foot soldier. The story of her fight for dignity is as gripping and visceral as any thriller; it is also both heart-breaking and inspirational.

suffragettemovie.com | @suffragettefilm

Available to download now for free

Pop ‘n’ Olly diversity makes for kids We loved Blue Peter when we growing up so we were happy to see that the super talented Olly Pike has expanded his diversity publication and video site and you can now download ‘Pop’n’Olly’ makes to keep children entertained and learn about diversity, inclusion and acceptance at the same time. And even better, they’re free to download. What are you waiting for. Get your scissors and glue sticks out the drawer and prepare for some awesome makes.

popnolly.com | @PopnOlly

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Courtney Act I N T E R V I E W

After reaching the Top3 on Season 6 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, she’s racked up millions of views on YouTube and has just released her fabulous Kaleidoscope EP. We recently caught up with Courtney to talk equal marriage.

Same-sex marriages are now legal in America, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and many other places around the world. Why do you think the Australian Prime Minister is so opposed to introducing them in Australia?

Australia is on the wrong side of history. It’s kind of shameful.

Tony Abbott, our Prime Minister, is a flat out d*ck head. There’s no nice way to put it. It’s not just gay rights he has no sensibility on, it’s human rights in general. I just don’t know how he got in to power. His approval rating is like the lowest of any Prime Minister in history. Hopefully that’s an indicator to the rest of the world that these aren’t the feelings of Australia at large, it’s just one guy at the top that we made a mistake voting in. Even before him, our government was going back and forth on the subject of marriage equality, it’s only a matter of time before things change and it’s legal. When I speak to people, they just assume that Australia has legalised same-sex marriage as we’re such a diverse and metropolitan country. I always have to say, ‘No we haven’t, we’re still waiting on that one!’.

Do you think the majority of Australians would support the introduction of same-sex marriages?

Oh definitely. The polls show that the majority of people do support it. It’s funny as our constitution doesn’t need to be changed. I know in Ireland they had the referendum to change the constitution and lots of people were saying we should do the same in Australia. But we don’t need to, there’s nothing that says marriage is between a man and a woman. It’s simply the lawmakers that need to have a vote on it and pass it. I don’t know if we need to wait for Tony Abbott to get thrown out of office or for his time to run out. The sooner the better!

It isn’t just about marriage equality either. That’s something I’ve realised since it passed here in the US. It was something a lot greater than it just being about people in love being able to get married. It was more about equality. I realised that marriage equality was being used as an excuse to segregate gay people. It was being used as something to say you’re not the same and not as equal as us.

“Australia is on the wrong side of history. It’s kind of shameful.

Tony Abbott, our Prime Minister, is a flat out d*ck head. There’s no nice way to put it.”

Read our full interview with Courtney on our website at www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk /entertainment

When it passed and I saw all these national monuments being lit up with the Pride flag and President Obama making these wonderful speeches, Hilary Clinton doing the same…all these amazing allies around the US, I realised this was a real tipping point. America is this big super power and I think it’s a huge socially progressive move to pass marriage equality across the whole country and I don’t think people expected it. People do expect it from the UK and Australia. The weekend it passed in the US I was at New York Pride and it was a cool weekend with so much happiness around.

The singles ‘Boys Like Me’, ‘Ecstasy’ and ‘Ugly’ are available to download from iTunes now. The EP ‘Kaleidoscope’ is ‘Real good pop music’ and it’s also available to download now. @CourtneyAct

@IncNetworks | September - October 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 6 | 38

Don’t miss any awards news // www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk/awards/

WE ANNOUNCE THE SHORTLIST FOR OUR INAUGURAL

INCLUSIVE NETWORKS AWARDS AFTER OVER 450 NOMINATIONS, WE’RE PROUD TO PUBLISH THE SHORTLIST FOR OUR INAUGURAL AWARDS. WE’RE CELEBRATING NETWORK GROUPS. The awards will recognise the people who make the networks live and breathe, many of whom volunteer substantial amounts of their own time, as well as thank the organisations that support and encourage their work and that of an inclusive society.

Thomas Anderson, Founder and Chief Executive of Inclusive Networks said : “I am proud to introduce the shortlist for the inaugural Inclusive Networks. When we launched the awards I hoped networks and organisations around the UK and from all sectors would embrace the initiative and see the value in rewarding the people who make the networks live and breathe. With over 450 nominations, it’s clear there are hundreds of fantastic networks all over the UK doing lots of innovative,

inspiring and important work. I’m so happy that with the help of our awesome judges, sponsors and supporters, we’ll be celebrating the work of many of them at our first awards on 19th November.

Congratulations to everyone shortlisted, well done to everyone nominated and if you’re just coming across the initiative or didn’t engage with our first awards…..watch out for news of our #INAwards2016. I look forward to celebrating with our shortlisted networks in November.

Good luck everyone!”

The Inclusive Networks Awards are the first ever awards of this scale dedicated to network groups.

The unique awards will celebrate and reward the work and positive impact of network groups from all diversity strands and from all sectors – something unique. We are also not just a stand alone awards event and

we support and celebrate the work of networks and beyond day in, day out via our online features, Network Buzz magazine, events and social media – and many more platforms.

What makes these awards different is they celebrate and reward the work of the doers, individuals and teams who show an extraordinary amount of commitment and dedication to support employees, the wider community and help influence the views of the wider public on their perception of the organisations they represent through their work.

The awards aim to reward individuals and teams, help maintain motivation and engagement from those who make the networks live and breathe, raise the profile of networks and their impact, create an internal and external buzz and inspire networks to build and grow on where they already are.

We’re saying thank you.

THE WINNERS WILL BE DECIDED BY OUR AWESOME JUDGES. SEE WWW.INCLUSIVENETWORKS.CO.UK/AWARDS

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| Network Buzz Issue 6 | September - October 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

View our shortlist video // www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk/awards/

A message from the Secretary of State for Education

Speaking to Inclusive Networks, Nicky Morgan MP, Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities, said: “It’s clear that network groups can make a very real contribution to the workplace, helping create a culture which values diversity and attracts the best talent. It is of course up to individual firms how they recognise the work that network groups do, both inside and outside of the organisation, but I would certainly encourage any company to reward staff who give something back to the workplace and their communities.”

“We know that networks are important – we’ve seen how the ‘old boys’ network’ used to dominate the workplace at senior levels. Luckily, things are now changing and there is much more diversity in the world of work. However, there is still a lot of benefit from both formal and informal networks.”

READ OUR FULL INTERVIEW WITH NICKY AT www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk/features/nicky-morgan/

@IncNetworks | September - October 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 6 | 40

Our charity partner is the fantastic anti-bullying charity Ditch the Label

Employee LGBT Network of the Year Fujitsu : Shine LGBT+ Network Lloyds Banking Group : Rainbow Network PwC : GLEE@PwC The Health & Social Care (HSC) Service : LGBT Staff Forum • Transport for London : OUTbound • York St John University : LGBT Staff Network • • • •

Employee Gender Network of the Year, sponsored by WeAreTheCity EY : EY Women’s Network Lloyds Banking Group : Breakthrough Network RBS : RBS Focused Women’s network The Environment Agency : Women’s Network The University of Nottingham : Women’s Network • The University of Sheffield : Women@TUoS NETwork • • • • •

Employee Race, Ethnicity & Cultural Heritage Network of the Year Deloitte : Deloitte Multicultural Network EY : EY Sikh Network Lloyds Banking Group : GEM Network Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust : Black and Minority Ethnic Staff Development Network • North East London NHS Foundation Trust : Ethnic Minority Staff Network • The Metropolitan Police : The Metropolitan Black Police Association • • • •

Health & Wellbeing Network of the Year • EY : EY Dyslexia Network • Lloyds Banking Group : Access Network • The Armed Forces : Defence Stammering Network • The University of Bradford : n-able • The University of Manchester : Disabled Staff Network • The University of York : Disabled Student’s Network

New Network of the Year Action for Children : Celebrate LGBT Fujitsu : Women at Fujitsu PayPal : PayPal Pride Standard Life : Young Persons’ Development Network • The Co-operative Bank : Proud Together • WILL (Women in Law London) : WILL • • • •

Professional Network of the Year, sponsored by Contracts IT Citymothers and Cityfathers I AM Networking Lady Val’s Professional Women’s Network Muslim Counsellor and Psychotherapist Network • Radius • WeAreTheCity • • • •

Social Network of the Year sponsored by Canal St • • • • • •

BiPhoria Forever Manchester (First Friday Networking) Manchester Lesbian & Gay Chorus USDAW Village Bakers Village Drinks

THE WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT OUR AWARDS RECEPTION ON 19TH NOVEMBER AT BAND OF THE WALL IN MANCHESTER.

Inter-Sector Network of the Year • • • • • •

Black Solicitors Network Chicks With Bricks Fraud Women’s Network InterEngineering InterMedia Link LGBT Insurance Network

Network Team of the Year sponsored by Diversity Jobs EY : EY Women’s Network InterEngineering : InterEngineering Parliament (UK) : ParliOUT Tesco : OUT at Tesco The Armed Forces : Defence Stammering Network Leadership Team • WILL (Women in Law London) : WILL • • • • •

An iconic venue. It’ll be an awards event that stands out.

Network Leader (s) of the Year • EY, EY Sikh Network : Indy Hothi and Anisha Seth • Fujitsu, Shine LGBT+ Network : Martin York • Metropolitan Police, Metropolitan Black Police Association : Detective Sergeant Janet Hills • PwC, GLEE@PwC : Dan Ricard • Royal Navy, COMPASS : Lt Cdr Chris Wood and Lt Cdr Sam Truelove • The University of Bradford, n-able : Cath Rose and Gill Cockburn • Transport for London, OUTbound : Martyn Loukes BEM • UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, FLAGG : Jonathan Marshall & Paul Begley

LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE. BE QUICK. www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk/awards

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| Network Buzz Issue 6 | September - October 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

Keep updated by following us on Twitter // @IncNetworks #INAwards2015

Thank you to our sponsors and supporters for your continued commitment to supporting network groups, developing more inclusive workplaces and communities and for making the awards a reality.

GOODY BAG SUPPORTER

SPONSOR AND SUPPORT OUR AWARDS We still have lots of sponsorship and supporter opportunities for our inaugural awards. We’d love and value your support. By supporting our awards you are helping us recognise and celebrate the people who make networks live and breathe by dedicating much of their own time as well as thanking those helping develop more inclusive workplaces and communities. We have flexible packages available and we can work with your budget and to ensure you get the most out of being involved in this fresh and authentic event. Got any questions or want to find out more?

thomas@inclusivenetworksuk.co.uk | 07702 130 348

@IncNetworks | September - October 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 6 | 42

More about our judges // www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk/awards/in-awards-judges/

AWESOME JUDGE Scott Durairaj

Inspiring Member of the Year, sponsored by Action for Children

Network Engagement Initiative of the Year

• Dyfed-Powys Police, LGBT Staff Network : Cairn F Newton-Evans • EY, EY Sikh Network : Indy Hothi Royal Navy, COMPASS : Lt Cdr Chris Wood • Member of many networks, inc Black Solicitors Network and WILL : Funke Abimbola • York St John University, LGBT Staff Network : Andy Law

• ASDA, ASDA LGBT Network : Sparkle and ‘Getting to know you – Our transgender colleagues’ video • BNP Paribas : Diversity Week • EY, EY Sikh Network : SINGH Project • Tesco, OUT at Tesco : No Bystanders • Transport for London, OUTbound : #RideWithPride • Metropolitan Police, Metropolitan Black Police Association: Black History Month Magazine

Collaboration of the Year

A MESSAGE FROM ONE OF OUR JUDGES Scott Durairaj, Head of NHS England Workforce Diversity and Inclusion and Inclusive Networks Awards judge said : “Having worked across the NHS and public sector for 24 years improving services, I was heartened to see so much work going on in our private, public and charity sectors to ensure that the workforce, the backbone and key to success of any organisation, are more than merely respected but enabled to thrive and not just survive. Well done to all those who have been nominated and achieved a place on the shortlist. To those out there we don’t know about yet, let everyone see your excellence and make sure you are nominated next year. If one of us is not equal then non of us are equal!”

Network Champion of the Year • BNY Mellon’s PRISM Network and George House Trust : UK AIDS Memorial Quilt • City Sikhs Network & City Hindus Network : Hustings in the City • EY Women’s Network and Lloyds Banking Group ‘Breakthrough’ Network : The Secrets of Stakeholder Mapping and Networking for Success • PwC Employee Network Groups : Disability, Military and GLEE : To disclose or not to disclose • The Network of Networks (TNON) • York St John University LGBT Staff Network, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the City of York Council : LGBT History Month 2015

• Cardiff University : Professor Colin Riordan • EY : Amarjit Singh • Fujitsu : Michael Keegan • Royal Navy & Royal Marines : Brigadier Peter Cameron • Touchstone : Alison Lowe • York St John University : Jo Thompson

Investor in Network Groups • • • • • •

BNY Mellon Brown Brothers Harriman EY Lloyds Banking Group PwC University of Manchester

Network Event of the Year • Brown Brothers Harriman, European Women’s Network : Connecting Women Across Borders • Cardiff University, Enfys LGBT+ Staff Network : Pride Film Screening with Dai Donovan • EY, EY Women’s Network : Igniting Change • Fujitsu, Shine LGBT+ Network : Inclusion Motivates • LGBT Leaders : LGBT Leaders Conference • PwC, GLEE@PwC : #bigGLEEday • The University of Sheffield, Women@TUoS NETwork : International Women’s Day 2015 • Village Bakers : Great Village Bake Off

Good luck to everyone shortlisted for our inaugural awards. We can’t wait to celebrate the achievements of our awesome networks in November.

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| Network Buzz Issue 6 | September - October 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

it’s Molly E CARES ABOUT

WRITING ABOUT THINGS SH

Give young adults the confidence to be themselves Summertime is often eq uated with exams and results. It is also the time for ma king big decisions abou t the next few academic years, ch oosing between unive rsities, apprenticeships or go ing straight into work.

The list of things to think about wh en making such decision includes money, distan s ce from home, living circumstances, your lon g term ambitions and so on. For LGBTQA+ individuals you also have to think about a few other things too. For ex ample, could you be op your identity in this ne en about w place? Is there a co mmunity or network for LGBTQA+ individuals that you ca n join?

This means that emplo yers, universities and oth organisations need to er FE advertise that they are inclusive and value diversity. It’s important that you fin d ways to communicate to the wo rld how your organisa tion makes sure that its employees and students can be fre express who they are. e to But also, that you value and understand issues tha t impact LGBTQA+ ind ividuals and support them.

For young people in pa rticular, this part of the ir life can be really challenging.

Many youngsters suffe r with low levels of confidence an d self-esteem. For tho se just starting to climb the ca reer ladder, it can feel much more intimidating to be open about who they are. Es pecially with the unknown impli cations of coming out.

There are some pieces of legisla tion to protect you fro m discrimination, but in the real world we know it isn’t that simple. Discovering wh o you are is a lifelong mission in many ways, but to lea rn how to deal with tha t, well I like to think that that gets easier with experience.

When the organisatio n you are joining alrea dy demonstrates that the y are supportive of inc lusion and respect differences, it makes being open mu ch more accessible. Although ev eryone’s journey is dif ferent and deciding whether or no t to come out in such environments will mayb e always be at least slig htly difficult, it makes you feel safer.

Molly Aldrich-Winc er mollyaldrichwincer .wordpress.com

So how can employers, colleges and universitie s show that they do value div ersity and inclusion?

I have put together

a few ideas:

• Attract candidates (poten tial employees / prosp students) from the wide ective st pool as possible. Th is can be achieved through adve rtising using different channels and avoiding word-of mouth-recruitment. Th is ensures that you develop a div erse workforce – mean ing that diversity and inclusion should almost become a necessity (Equality and Human Rights Commiss 2015). ion, • Encourage everyone to use gender neutral pro nouns when asking individuals about their family and partners.

• Training on equality, stereo types and how to be inclusive. Education is the key to overcoming intolerance.

• Build a culture of accepta nce and tolerance of div • Directly address any unac ersity. ceptable language or behaviour that may ma ke individuals feel unwe lcome or unsafe.

• Establish Networks / Socie ties / Clubs, actively su pport the work they do and encourage everyone to get involved. Allies are im portant too.

I believe that if you ca n show the world that you organisation that value s the importance of inc are an lusion and diversity, you will bene fit. teens who are venturin But so will the thousands of g into the big wide wo rld. It just makes their life that bit ea become a part of some sier. If a young person can thing bigger than thems a university, college or elves, like new workplace and ca n feel like, if not immediately but at so be open and true to the me point in the future, they can mselves. Then that’s pre brilliant. tty Why wouldn’t you wa nt to give someone th at opportunity?

To get in touch with Molly, follow her on twitter @maldrichw email her at mollyaw incer or @hotmail.co.uk

@IncNetworks | September - October 2015 | Network Buzz Issue 6 | 44

IN Scotland . IN Scotland . IN Scotland . IN Scotland

COMING SOON

Edinburgh Castle photo credit : Thomas Anderson

WE’RE VERY EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE WE’LL SHORTLY BE BRINGING OUR INCLUSIVE NETWORKS EVENTS AND REWARD AND RECOGNITION INITIATIVES TO SCOTLAND. // Events // Supporting Scottish charities // New Scottish diversity publication // Celebration events and lots more

FAST acial weakness

Can the person smile?

Has their mouth or eye drooped?

rm weakness

Can the person raise both arms?

peech problems Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?

ime to call 999

Stroke is a medical emergency.

Item Code: A08FA03

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| Network Buzz Issue 5 | June - July 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

BRINGING YOU ORIGINAL DIVERSE ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS. LET’S GET STARTED

MICHELLE VISAGE DARREN HAYES OMI : COURTNEY ACT : HEATHER PEACE VENGABOYS : STEVE GRAND : STONEBRIDGE CHARLOTTE JACONELLI : DANIEL KOEK

LESLIE JORDAN JOE MCELDERRY

NICKI FRENCH : HAZELL DEAN : ANDY BELL NOREEN KHAN : ELLE EXXE : JAMES KING KAT GELLIN : DARCY OAKE : LA VOIX

LUCY SPRAGGAN CECE PENISTON

JANET DEVLIN : BILLIE MYERS : ALLAN JAY ROSIE GARLAND : JERMAIN JACKMAN CAROL DECKER : MARCUS COLLINS

AND MORE AT WWW.INCLUSIVENETWORKS.CO.UK/ ENTERTAINMENT

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| Network 3 | Network Buzz Buzz Issue | January 6 | September - February - October 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk 2015 | www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk

Yo u r c h a n c e t o w i n some fantastic prizes

WIN Exclusive competitions

Have a cuppa (or forty) on us!

20 Proper Mint *Teabags (Spearmint & Peppermint) and 20 Berry Orange *Teabags – (Strawberry, Orange & Lemongrass) From our friends at www.the-teashed.co.uk

No need to buy it online. We’ll bring Girl Online to you.

Love is Love.

Prince Henry.

To celebrate the release of Olly Pike’s new book, LGBT Fairytale Prince Henry, we have a signed copy to give away.

The book is out now popnolly.com/shop/

We have a copy of Zoe Sugg’s best-selling book ‘Girl Online’ to give away.

The book was a runaway success and record breaker when it was published. A role model to many, Zoe is definitely one to watch.

ENTER : FOR A CHANCE TO WIN ALL THREE PRIZES SIMPLY EMAIL YOUR NAME TO INFO@INCLUSIVENETWORKSUK.CO.UK BY 11.59PM ON 31ST OCTOBER 2015. FULL T&Cs EMAILED TO ENTRANTS.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER FOR MORE AWESOME COMPETITIONS @INCNETWORKS AND @OUTINTHEUK

ADVERTISE WITH US Reach thousands of diverse people from all walks of life by advertising in one of our inclusive publications and on our website.

We offer bespoke packages and opportunities to suit every budget starting at only £50.

Our publications aim to inspire, celebrate and support inclusion and by working with us, you will support us in achieving this. Check out our website and see who we’ve been working with and supporting.

You can contact us at info@inclusivenetworksuk.co.uk or call our Editor Thomas Anderson on 07702 130 348.

www.inclusivenetworks.co.uk/support

Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland.

Worried? Got questions?

Whatever’s on your mind, we’re here.

Call the Macmillan team free on 0808 808 0000 (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm) or visit our website www.macmillan.org.uk