Deloitte role models recognised in OUTstanding lists 2016 for contribution to lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) inclusion

Deloitte’s Managing Partner for Global Markets, Sharon Thorne, and Human Capital manager, Em Sendall, have again been recognised for their contributions to LGBT inclusion in today’s Financial Times. The 2016 OUTstanding Leading LGBT & Ally Executives and the LGBT Future Leaders Lists recognise individuals working to create an inclusive workplace for all, and effecting positive change for LGBT people in particular. All nominees were deemed to have achieved this over and above their day job.

Sharon Thorne was ranked 26th in the Ally Executives List, which features business leaders who do not themselves identify as LGBT, but have been champions of inclusion for LGBT people. In 2007 Sharon established Deloitte’s diversity networks, including GLOBE, the LGBT network. She is now the network’s Executive sponsor, and gives senior support to initiatives such as the firm’s LGBT Allies Programme. Sharon has recently been focusing on encouraging inclusion throughout Deloitte’s global network, with recently established formal networks in Germany, Netherlands and Ireland. She acts as a mentor to a number of LGBT people and has spoken at several significant LGBT events including the Out & Equal LGBT Workplace Summit.

Sharon comments: “We know that for LGBT applicants, the existence of GLOBE can be a deciding factor when considering working here. Creating an environment where individuals can fully be themselves is the responsibility of us all. Our highly visible Allies Programme sends an explicit message of inclusion, especially for new joiners and people unsure about coming out. I’m immensely proud of all that Deloitte has achieved so far in relation to LGBT inclusion.”

Em Sendall, a senior manager in Deloitte’s Human Capital practice, and co-chair of GLOBE was ranked 12th in the Future LGBT Leaders List. For nearly ten years Em has been a visible LGBT role model in the business. She has arranged a series of CXO discussion dinners focused on LGBT inclusion, and supported the development of GLOBE communities in Deloitte UK’s regional offices. She is also driving a programme of trans inclusion activities at the firm, including policy development and associated HR support. Em regularly speaks about D&I and LGBT inclusion and provides informal mentoring and coaching to more junior LGBT colleagues.

Em remarks: ”My involvement in GLOBE is a fundamental part of my experience at Deloitte and I’m so proud of all we have achieved. As someone who has not always been openly gay, I recognise that coming out can be a very challenging experience. Creating a culture that allows everyone to be themselves is critical to building a workplace where people can perform at their best. We have a clear set of actions to ensure this culture is experienced by all our people, combining education and awareness-raising alongside communities, networks and specific initiatives such as our LGBT Allies Programme.”

End

Notes to editors

About OUTstanding
OUTstanding is a professional membership organisation for global businesses. We work directly with LGBT and ally leaders to promote inclusion in the workplace. We drive change, challenge stereotypes and inspire future generations. We work with member firms to drive LGBT inclusion, providing leadership development, mentoring, role modelling and sharing cutting edge best practice. We have a partnership with the Financial Times and publish The Leading LBGT+ & Ally Executives and LGBT Future Leaders Lists, annually. http://www.out-standing.org/

About Deloitte
In this press release references to Deloitte are references to Deloitte LLP, which is among the country's leading professional services firms.

Deloitte LLP is the United Kingdom member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), a UK private company limited by guarantee, whose member firms are legally separate and independent entities. Please see www.deloitte.co.uk/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of DTTL and its member firms.

The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press.

Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.