The Civil Service LGBT+ Network 

As the cross-government network for LGBT+ civil servants and for the networks within Civil Service organisations the CSLGBT+ Network provides a supportive environment that enables individuals to connect across departments develop their understanding of themselves within the LGBT+ community, while also connecting and developing departmental network leads through their Leaders of Networks Forum, enabling them to collaborate and support each other. The Network also acts as a critical friend to the Civil Service D&I team, impacting on culture change through feeding back on policies and practices through routes such as NVAG, they also link with LGB&TI champions across the civil service to improve their understanding and contextualise issues, raising their profiles as role models or allies, ensuring they are involved in their events. They do this through close collaboration with Jonathan Slater as CS LGB&TI+ Champion, playing a key role in setting the agenda for the champions meetings and presenting at each one, recent examples include presentations on “the impact of Covid-19 on LGB&TI communities” and “the + in LGBT+”. The Network also meet regularly with Jonathan to educate him on historical experience, keep him abreast of current issues and advise him on strategy.

The Network is strongly collaborative, working with the CS Race Forum to create and present awareness raising sessions focused on BAME LGBT individuals and their contribution throughout history linked to the Pride progressive flag and better allyship between communities. Additionally the Chair mentors other cross-government Chairs supporting them in creating more sustainable network structures and identifying intersects around e.g. BAME and LGBT. They use volunteers collaboratively, encouraging cross-departmental working groups to implement initiatives like PrideON, ensuring diversity of thought, approach and content. They also have a strong working partnership with a:gender the cross-government T&I network.