Celebrating 1st Central's diverse community.
People first. Always. At 1st Central we encourage colleagues to bring their authentic selves to work every day, whoever they are and whatever’s important to them. Our vibrant, inclusive community’s amazing and we love it.
People thrive when they know they’re supported, when they recognise colleagues truly get them and have their backs. Connection with and empathy for others creates a sense of belonging and people feel seen, heard and valued. That’s why we have a comprehensive range of Colleague Networks open to anyone who’s curious to know more and wants to get involved. The recognition and appreciation they inspire dovetail perfectly with one of the values 1st Central lives by – Collaboration.
These six groups share information, promote safe spaces for colleagues from all walks of life to talk about their lived experiences, host discussions and events and develop guidance resources so we can increase awareness and encourage understanding and advocacy. The Networks are:
- Gender Equity
- LGBTQ+
- DNA (Disability, Neurodiversity and Accessibility)
- FOCUS (Future Opportunities, Cultural Understanding and Socioeconomics)
- Health and Wellbeing
- Environment
June marks the start of Pride Month and our LGBTQ+ Network has organised a fantastic mix of virtual and in-person events for the occasion. We’re coming together to share experiences, reflect and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. The best news is that we won’t be restricting our celebrations to just one month, we’ll carry on the festivities throughout June, July and August!
The activities will give people an opportunity to connect, learn and have fun wherever they’re based. The first event’s a special session of our monthly Pride and Pixels Media Club, a virtual get together where people can explore and chat about LGBTQ+ representation in literature, TV and film. This month’s hot topic is ‘visibility, identity and the power of representation’. We’re also arranging in-person socials so colleagues can chill together in a relaxed setting and we’re hosting a panel discussion where people can share their personal stories and insights and reflect on what Pride means to them. And, why it will always matter.
Diversity brings a wealth of perspectives, contributions and ideas that enriches communities and drives innovation, creativity and success. We’re passionate about the fair, eclectic culture we’ve created and fiercely protect; it nurtures a respectful, dynamic community where everyone’s encouraged to shine and grow. Each of our Networks has an Executive Sponsor and here’s what Gareth Powell, Sponsor of the LGBTQ+ Network, has to say:
“Pride Month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and everything it brings to our workplace – diversity, strength, creativity and courage. As the Exec Sponsor of our LGBTQ+ Network, I’m proud to support a culture where everyone can show up at 1st Central as their full selves. Pride is about visibility, allyship and progress and that’s something we all have a part in. Not just this month but every day.”
As well as our LGBTQ+ Network we’ve established a comprehensive set of policies to provide support and guidance to the LGBTQ+ community. We're proud to offer benefits like primary parent and co-parent leave (which replaced maternity and paternity leave) to look after all types of families, including same-sex or gender non-conforming couples. We've also introduced guidance on how to support colleagues who may be going through a gender affirmation journey. Colleagues can choose to put their preferred pronouns in their email signature if they want and we maintain a gender-neutral dress code.
Whoever and wherever you are, 1st Central could just be the place for you.
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