At Rathbones, we want every colleague to feel respected, supported and able to do their best work.
Our Pride Network helps create a workplace where LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies are visible, heard and represented throughout the year.
The network forms part of Rathbones' diversity and inclusion strategy and aims to increase awareness of LGBTQ+ issues while also celebrating our community and allies with different events throughout the year.
Why LGBTQ+ recognition matters in the workplace
With our time at work spanning such a significant part of our lives, finding a company where you feel able to bring all of yourself to work is crucial.
At Rathbones, we believe that an inclusive atmosphere where you feel comfortable contributing fully, without worry, is invaluable.
It strengthens our organisation through trust, communication and strong team bonds, and sends a positive message to our clients, colleagues and the wider financial world about the kind of business we are.
How we support LGBTQ+ colleagues
Inclusion is not limited to moments in the calendar. Our Pride Network champions our LGBTQ+ community all year round – focusing on education, awareness, advocacy and practical support to help create a more inclusive workplace for everyone.
Education and awareness
The network helps colleagues across the business build understanding of LGBTQ+ topics and how to be effective allies. This includes marking key moments such as LGBTQ+ History Month and IDAHOBIT (the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia), alongside sharing guidance, resources and conversations that keep inclusion front of mind throughout the year.
Advocacy and guidance
Our network also plays an important role in shaping and communicating Rathbones’ approach to issues affecting LGBTQ+ colleagues.
For example, the network is helping colleagues understand the implications of recent Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) guidance and how we can best support our trans and non-binary colleagues across the business.
Practical support and inclusive policies
We support colleagues through a range of inclusive policies and benefits designed to reflect different life stages and experiences, including our adoption, shared parental leave and inclusion policies.
Colleagues can also access targeted support through our benefits offering, including:
- Private health cover which includes a gender dysphoria benefit supporting diagnosis, consultations and treatment (subject to policy terms).
- Our Employee Assistance Programme offers confidential wellbeing and counselling support, including for when external events or public debate impact LGBTQ+ individuals.
Events and community
The network brings colleagues across the UK together through events that celebrate our LGBTQ+ and ally community.
Annual Pride parties in our London and Liverpool offices, organised by our network co-leads and facilities team, provide opportunities to connect in an open and supportive environment. We have plans to expand these across more locations over time.
We're also proud supporters of Liverpool Pride and have a contingent of colleagues who attend every year.
Proud to support Liverpool Pride
With roots in Liverpool dating back centuries, our support for Liverpool Pride reflects both our heritage and our commitment to inclusion today.
Pride is an important moment for visibility and celebration, but it is also a reminder that belonging has to be built consistently – in policies, conversations, leadership and everyday behaviour.
We hope to also be the sponsors of more Pride events in the future, including London and Channel Islands Pride!
Pride-focused organisations we collaborate with
Inclusion in Finance
Our ongoing commitment
We are committed to continuously strengthening how we support LGBTQ+ colleagues across Rathbones. This includes developing our Pride Network, enhancing our policies and benefits, and fostering a culture of inclusion throughout the organisation.
We will continue to listen, learn and take meaningful action to ensure Rathbones remains an inclusive and supportive place to work for all.
Having worked at Rathbones for over seven years, I’ve not once felt as if I should be anyone but myself, and the value of that culture, and the people who foster it, should never be underestimated.
Interested in working at Rathbones?
If you’re considering joining Rathbones and you’re concerned about what the work culture is like surrounding LGBTQ+ individuals, rest assured: you’ll be joining a business that focuses on practical inclusion.
Through our inclusive workplace, our Pride network and its various initiatives, you can be sure that you're joining an accepting workplace that shows this in ways you can see and be a part of, so you can contribute with confidence and do your best work.
