BL Pride Alliance

The BL Pride Committee advocates on diversity and inclusion issues and policies related to sexual orientation and gender identity within the company. We provide networking through organising a range of learning opportunities and events, and we promote mentoring and a sense of community. All with the intention of attracting, developing and retaining the best LGBT+ talent.

The BL Pride Alliance is a wider network of British Land employees who identify as LGBT+ and their allies. This Alliance has grown to include over 50% of the company. By joining the Alliance, each person shows their support for diversity and inclusion at British Land and within our communities. We work together to create an environment that welcomes and respects LGBT+ individuals. By living our company value ‘Bring your whole self’, we empower others to do the same.

Our achievements

• Launching our Transgender Policy in 2018, together with healthcare upgrades, to better support the needs of individuals who are transitioning gender.
• Welcoming guest speakers including:
  • Jonny Benjamin MBE and Neil Laybourn of Channel 4’s ‘The Stranger on the Bridge’, who discussed mental health and the role of sexual orientation.
  • Antonia Belcher, who was listed by City AM as one of the top 100 most powerful women in London in 2017 and shared her incredible journey transitioning from Anthony to Antonia.
  • Stonewall representatives, who have discussed issues such as ‘The Importance of Allies’ and ‘Multiple Identities – An introduction to Intersectionality’.
• Adding five courses run by Stonewall to our learning directory for staff, all CPD accredited. These are: LGBT Allies, LGBT Leadership, LGBT Role Models, LGBT Trans Allies and LGBT Young Leadership.
• Hosting networking events and communications that celebrate the LGBT community, increase awareness and provide opportunities to learn more. These include LGBT History Month, Pride Month, National Coming Out Day, Bisexual Awareness Week and IDAHOT Day.
• Participating in the London Pride parade with the Albert Kennedy Trust, as well as Pride events at British Land properties around the UK.
• Fundraising for and supporting Just Like Us, which organises the UK-wide celebration of LGBT+ equality in primary and secondary schools.
• Taking part in the photographic exhibition “Corporate Queer”, which celebrates LGBT+ identities in the corporate world.