Press releases

Deloitte role model in OUTstanding ranking for contribution to LGBT+ inclusion

26 October 2017

Sharon Thorne, Deputy CEO and Managing Partner, Global & Strategy for Deloitte North West Europe, has again been recognised for her contribution to LGBT inclusion in today’s Financial Times. The 2017 OUTstanding Leading LGBT+ & Ally Executives 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 36th 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. Sharon has mentored a number of LGBT+ employees and in 2015 supported a trans employee through the process of coming out at work. In 2007 she launched the firm’s diversity networks, and was the original sponsoring partner for GLOBE, the LGBT+ network. She is now the network’s executive sponsor, providing the network with a link to the firm’s leadership. She regularly speaks about the importance of authenticity, inclusion and LGBT+ equality.

Sharon comments: “Deloitte’s progress on LGBT+ inclusion has built on previous successes. The firm aims to create an environment where individuals can fully be themselves. This year we introduced a trans and gender identity policy and appointed trans champions across the firm.

“During 2017, where there are existing and emerging LGBT+ networks in our Deloitte NWE founding firms we have been developing relationships, sharing best practice, and seeking to increase cross-border collaboration on this topic.”

Suki Sandhu, Founder & CEO, OUTstanding: “These lists exist to challenge the assumption you cannot be out and successful in business, and to highlight the importance of role models in inspiring the next generation of business leaders. By recognising and celebrating those who are leading the change, the lists demonstrate how far the quest for workplace equality has come. But there is always more to be done. Big business and the public sector have the power and influence to promote LGBT+ inclusion more widely, paving the way for real societal change around the world.”

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 one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”) a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of DTTL and its member firms.

Deloitte LLP is a subsidiary of Deloitte NWE LLP, which is a member firm of DTTL, and is among the UK's leading professional services firms.

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

For more information, please visit www.deloitte.co.uk. For more information, please visit www.deloitte.co.uk.

Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

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