Issue 21 Respect Magazine

№ 21 | September 2013

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Our biggest ever issue

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Barnes y ll E g in ir p ins We meet the ened when p p a h t a h w Find out ect HQ p s e R d e it is rton’ v ‘James Wha Health l a t n ’s largest e e M p o T r B u E LG ’ le of ‘Spark t r o p p u s r u fo A round up o bration le e c r e d n e g Trans ct team e p s e R e h t in Come and jo more! h c u m , h c u And m The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) network for The co-operative

Reg. Charity No. 1070904

Registered Charity No. 1070904

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Welcome to issue 21 of the Respect Magazine Pride season is drawing to a close and in this issue we bring you six pages of photo’s from our involvement at Brighton Pride - we really struggled selecting them as we have so many great snap shots from the day.

It is another packed issue, our biggest ever with 52 pages of all things Respect related.

We hope you enjoy the issue everyone!

What you’ll find inside…

We have messages of support from lots of members of The Co-operative Group Executive including Gill Barr (pictured), Moira Lees and Niall Booker.

PLUS

The Co-operative and Russian vodka Page 22

Respect at Stonewall’s Manchester Workplace Conference Page 40

Your development is important to us.

Join the Respect team!

Pages 45 - 50

And lots more!

Sharon Pegg

Equal Marriage

Find out more about The Co-operative’s Inclusion & Diversity Manager. She’s lovely.

Pages 28-29

Celebrating the amazing news about Equal Marriage in England & Wales.

Pages 11-13

Colin Macfarlane

Jenny Barnes

We meet the Director of Stonewall Scotland.

They do great things!

Pages 36-37 Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

Meet our newest Senior Champion. She has already been very busy supporting us!

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Making history with Pride....

You bet’cha!

Welcome to the new issue of Respect, our 21st edition. So much has happened since our first issue just over three years ago and it is a delight to have witnessed the network develop at a rapid pace since our launch.

This issue is our biggest issue to date and we have 52 pages full of content for you.

We’ve been shortlisted for three European Diversity Awards The shortlist for the 2013 European Diversity Awards has just been announced and we are proud to announce The Co-operative is represented in three categories.

For the third consecutive year the Respect network has been shortlisted for the ‘Outstanding Employee Network’ award at the prestigious event.

Since the last issue I have had the pleasure to meet over 200 members at various events around the country that I have attended. These have included Brighton Pride where I was astounded by the support and enthusiasm from the local stores - special mention to the Branch Manager of the Food store on North Street Paul. In this issue we have lots of photo’s from the event.

Community support remains very important to the Respect team and we have recently supported charities in lots of ways including Stonewall, The Albert Kennedy Trust, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation and George House Trust.

I hope you enjoy the new issue of your magazine and if you’d like to get more involved, we’d love to hear from you we need you!

All feedback is appreciated and if you’d like to get more involved with ‘Respect’, we’d love to hear from you.

Thomas Anderson Respect Co-chair @thomasinmanc thomas.anderson@co-operative.coop

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Some of the Respect team at the 2012 European Diversity Awards The category is open to all employee networks in Europe, including non LGBT networks. This makes this achievement even more amazing. We’re overjoyed!

Chris Hanson, General Secretary for the Respect network commented, ‘When we heard the news we had been shortlisted it took us all by surprise. The Respect team are all immensely proud of the progress we have made in the last twelve months and it is wonderful to see this recognised at an international level.”

For the first time ever The Co-operative has also been shortlisted in the ‘Business of the Year’ category.

It doesn’t end there, Thomas Anderson, Co-chair of the Respect network has been shortlisted for ‘Diversity Champion of the Year’. Big congratulations to Thomas.

The winners of the awards will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Natural History Museum on 26 September.

You can find out more about the awards by visiting www.europeandiversityawards.com Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

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RESPECT IS FEATURED IN THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF GSCENE In the last twelve months we have brought you over 20 LGBT related Intranet articles, lots of Co-operative Facebook articles and three full pages of Respect content in issues of the US! magazine.

We have worked hard to ensure as many Co-operative Group employees as possible know that the Respect network exists - and are aware of the support and networking opportunities available to them.

What we do know is lots of employees have become aware of us and have become members after finding out about the network on external facing websites and publications.

With this in mind we have worked extra hard to ensure we look at opportunities to promote the network in as many magazines and websites as possible.

We’re delighted to announce that we have a full page (A4) article in the September issue of Brighton & Hove’s largest LGBT magazine GScene. Download it at www.gscene.com The front cover of the issue our article features in, alongside an image of the article.

FRANKIE SAYS RESPECT That’s exactly what Holly Johnson, lead singer of iconic 80s group ‘Frankie Goes To Hollywood’ tweeted us recently. Our Twitter account @CoopRespectLGBT has gained lots of interest lately and we were very happy to receive the tweet from the singer of some of the most memorable songs of the 80s, including ‘Relax’, ‘The Power Of Love’ and ‘Two Tribes’.

Read more about all things Respect and Twitter on page 23.

The Co-operative are ‘Champions of Diversity’

Let’s keep connected Twitter - Over 6,100 followers and growing @CoopRespectLGBT Website www.co-operative.coop/respectlgbt Email respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Respect magazines issuu.com/cooprespectlgbt Visit our careers portal at www.co-operative.jobs and you'll see why we are ranked 3rd by Stonewall in their 2013 Workplace Equality Index. Come and join us, say hello and you'll find ‘You're welcome’.

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR 2013

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

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Please tell us about your role within The Co-operative I am a regionally elected Group Board Director of The Co-operative Group and Chair the Board's Diversity Strategy Committee. I now have the privilege to be a Senior Champion for the Respect Network.

And you are now Respect’s newest Senior Champion. What does this mean to you?

I have watched the Respect Network grow from strength to strength and am delighted to be a part of the team.

Jenny with Len Wardle, Chair of The Co-operative Group at the Respect Awards 2012

You’ve been along to a few Respect events, have you enjoyed them?

I have celebrated at Cardiff Mardi Gras for several years, and was Chair of the Values and Principals Committee that supported The Co-operative being actively involved before it was politically fashionable, and I'm enormously proud that The Co-operative led the way.

During the International Year of Co-operatives we showcased our work on Diversity and hosted an international LGBT evening, spreading good practice internationally. I've also celebrated with other outstanding Companies at the Stonewall Awards evening, and attended a Stonewall seminar in London linking companies and potentially their networks across business sectors with an aim to raise our game further. It's a really exciting time to be involved and may be duplicated in other diversity strands.

How important do you think employee network groups like Respect are?

The Respect network is vital for The Co-operative as they help inform best practice and support individual colleagues, they lead the agenda and highlight it via social media. Other organisations are also seeing the benefits of committed and active employees.

How important do you think authentic role models are?

Say hello to our newest Respect Senior Champion, ‘Jenny Barnes’, Group Board Director of The Co-operative Group

The Respect network is a great place for new visible Role Models to emerge. The previous Champion was a great Role Model for the LGBT Community, and it is more important than ever for Directors to step up as Role Models, whether Gender, Race, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic.

We’re delighted to have you on board. What do you see the role of leaders in the business being with promoting and developing diverse and inclusive workplaces?

The Respect network is an inclusive network where any employee can be a member, no matter what sexuality they identify themselves as. How important do you think this is?

As Directors, Diversity and Inclusion must be part of the Strategic and Business As Usual decision-making process. At The Co-operative this is fully in line with our Values and Principals, and means we look at more than the financial bottom line in business decisions, adding an ethical dimension. Recognising and harnessing the potential of all our employees is good for business and good for the individual. Why waste our best resource?

I think it is great that any employee can show support of LGBT colleagues by becoming part of an inclusive and supportive network, and be advocates. Twitter followers show how easy it is to be part of it without full engagement.

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What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

I enjoy time with my family, and my garden which is turning japanese, and allotment. I also get great satisfaction as a School Governor of two local schools.

Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

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You couldn’t escape our Manchester Pride billboard on Canal St

News from Australia Australia Post seizes 38,000 gay hate election flyers As reported by www.gaystarnews.com an election flyer that repeatedly refers to gay men as sodomites and claims that nearly all same-sex couples molest their own children has been seized by Australia Post and its author is most likely to be hauled before an antidiscrimination tribunal.

To celebrate our sponsorship of Manchester Pride for the 5th consecutive year, The Co-operative Food booked a HUGE billboard on Canal St for two weeks, including the weekend of Pride itself. Influenced by the Respect team, the 20m tall billboard looked amazing.

Independent candidate Andrew Roberts who is running to try to become a senator for Tasmania, had planned to send the pamphlet to 38,000 Tasmanian homes, but when senior staff at Australia Post became aware of its contents they stopped it from being distributed.

More in the next issue of Respect, out in October!

A personal message to all ‘Friends of Respect’ from George Tinning, Managing Director, The Co-operative Funeralcare www.thenews.coop

On behalf of The Co-operative Funeralcare, I wholeheartedly support The Co-operative’s presence at 17 Pride festivals this year. Funeralcare is proud to welcome all its clients. In addition, it is committed to an open and honest working e nv i ro n m e n t w h e re t h e inclusion and support of all employees is highly valued and I would encourage as many people as possible to take part and get involved with the Respect network at events or by joining the Steering Group.

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

News from Germany Birth certificates to gain third gender option From November this year, Germany will become the first country in Europe to introduce a third option for assigning gender on birth certificates, giving parents the choice to leave the child’s gender indeterminate.

Der Spiegel reports that, from 1 November, birth certificates in Germany will have the option of selecting “blank”, as well as “male” or “female”.

Parents who use the “blank” option will allow for their offspring, such as those born with characteristics of both genders, to decide on their gender identity in later life, or to opt out of the gender binary altogether.

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The Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT), helps homeless LGBT people under the age of 25 to find accommodation and supports them back into education or work. The charity has seen a 179% increase in the need for its services since 2010, and to raise much needed funds they hosted their ‘Purple Weekender’ in Manchester’s Gay Village on 29 and 30 June. The event raised an impressive £16,000. Well done everyone, we had a great time!

Respect’s Fundraising Coordinator Rachel Crabtree (pictured, right) volunteered at the event. The Respect network also donated a big hamper for the events raffle.

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The Albert Kennedy Trust ‘Purple Weekender’ raises over £16,000. Wow.

Find out more at www.akt.org.uk

Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

№ 21 | September 2013

You’re invited to our Bisexual Awareness Day event on 23 September This year the Respect team are doing more than ever to raise awareness of the annual Bisexual Awareness Day, also known as Bi Visibility Day. This day is a call for the bisexual community, their friends and supporters to recognize and celebrate bisexuality, bisexual history, bisexual community and culture, and all the bisexual and otherwise non-monosexual people in their lives All ‘Friends of Respect’, your colleagues, friends and family are invited to join us at our next ‘Learn more about’ event that will focus on all aspects of bisexuality. We have a great panel lined up to share their experiences and to take part in our Q&A, including:

Dr Meg Barker Lead author of The Bisexuality Report and lecturer at The Open University

23 September 6.30pm until 8.30pm The Co-operative, 1 Angel Square, Auditorium, Manchester M60 0AG FREE EVENT Light refreshments will be served at 6:30pm.

REGISTER! Jen Yockney Editor of Bi Community News and founder of Biphoria

Darren John Knight Head of Policy and Engagement at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF)

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

Register your place(s) at our dedicated events page at http:// respectbivisibility2013.event brite.co.uk It’s very quick and easy!

Everyone is welcome.

Please spread the word!

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A personal message to all ‘Friends of Respect’ from

Niall Booker Chief Executive The Co-operative Banking Group “Congratulations to Respect on all the good work you do and the success you have had.

The Co-operative is committed to maintaining its focus on this important issue and to providing an inclusive environment for all colleagues.

Engaging the talents, beliefs, backgrounds, capabilities and ways of working of individuals, joined in a common endeavour, to create a culture of belonging in which people are valued, respected and can deliver their best work is, for us, what inclusion is all about.”

TALKBACK: THE ANNUAL STAFF SURVEY Have your say with confidence It is that time of the year again, annual staff survey time. Every September, every employee of The Co-operative Group is invited to complete the annual staff survey called TALKBACK. The survey is an opportunity for you to let the business know how working for the business is for YOU. Your responses are 100% confidential and your manager does not get to see your responses to the questions, in fact no one within The Co-operative does. Only the headlines are reported and if your store, branch or team has less than 5 people no team report will be produced and you’ll receive the overall results for your department or region.

employees to complete the survey as without knowing how our employees view working for the Group, it is more difficult to identify areas where we can get better and make all workplaces an equally enjoyable working environment. Have the confidence that all responses are 100% confidential and are not handled by The Co-operative - all the responses are collated by an external company on behalf of The Co-operative. I would also ask that everyone considers declaring their personal characteristics, including sexual orientation, as without knowing this we are unable to know whether we are a truly inclusive employer, attracting and retaining talent of all demographics.”

Sharon Pegg, Inclusion and Diversity Manager at The Co-operative commented, “We encourage all

WHY BOTHER TICKING THE SEXUAL ORIENTATION BOX? IN SUMMARY, THIS IS WHY IT’S IMPORTANT YOU TICK THE BOXES: • How else do we know the business has a diverse workforce and is attracting and retaining employees of all differences?

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• We need to make sure we representative of the UK population and if we are not attracting lesbian, gay and bisexual employees, we can ask the question WHY NOT? and action can be taken.

• We need to know that people of all sexualities have an equally positive work experience.

• Find out more by reading the Stonewall ‘What’s it got to do with you?’ guide at www.stonewall.org.uk Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

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Equal marriage to become law as peers say ‘I Do!’ Lesbian, gay and bisexual couples in England and Wales will be able to marry next spring, after the House of Lords gave Third Reading to the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill. The Bill has now received Royal Assent and become law with the first same sex marriages expected to take place as early as next Spring. Fantastic news.

Stonewall Chief Executive Ben Summerskill said: ‘It’s impossible to express how much joy this historic step will bring to tens of thousands of gay people and their families and friends. The Bill’s progress through Parliament shows that, at last, the majority of politicians in both Houses understand the public’s support for equality – though it’s also reminded us that gay people still have powerful opponents.

‘Stonewall’s volunteers, supporters and staff have worked flat-out for equal marriage in England and Wales, and Stonewall Scotland’s campaign continues north of the Border. We’ll redouble our efforts in Scotland so that every single gay person in Britain will soon enjoy full equality.’

During the Bill’s progress through Parliament, Stonewall staff and volunteers produced thousands of personalised briefings and speaking notes for MPs and peers. The charity gave evidence to the Bill Committee in the House of Commons and has attended and lobbied at every stage of the Bill’s progress.For more information about Stonewall’s campaign for equal marriage visit www.stonewall.org.uk/marriage

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

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Celebrate good times!

On Thursday 18 July the Lesbian & Gay Why not support the work of The LGF and give a Foundation (LGF) organised an impromptu event monthly donation? Visit www.lgf.org.uk/donate in Manchester's famous Canal Street, at Via, to mark the passing of same-sex marriage and say How we supported Equal Marriage thank-you to some of their supporters and Following our submission as part of the Governments volunteers.

Consultation on Equal Marriage, The Co-operative was Guests were treated to Prosecco on arrival, invited to give evidence to the House of Commons Bill kindly donated by The Cooperative RESPECT Committee. Liz Bramley, Head of Employee Engagement network, as well as pink carnation buttonholes, & Diversity for The Co-operative, went to the Houses of donated from David Wayman Flowers. There Parliament to give evidence in support. The Co-operative were also fabulous Love Equal Marriage was the only business to give evidence to the committee. cupcakes as well as canapes. The cupcakes Liz even appeared on TV! were rather delicious. We’ll let you in to a Following the release of our Equal Marriage video there secret, we went back for seconds. were headline news articles on The Co-operative intranet, Facebook and lots of Co-operative tweets. The Facebook The LGF would like to say a huge thank-you to article generated over 300 ‘likes’ and 100 comments. It is all of their amazing supporters who ensured their voices were heard within this important one of the most commented and liked articles of 2013. campaign and its down to them that we are now The news story was also published on many external sites within kissing distance of marriage equality. including The Grocer and Co-operative News.

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Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

№ 21 | September 2013

Pictured are some fabulous photo’s from the night. It was great to see so many ‘Friends of Respect’ there enjoying the celebrations and bubbly.

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

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Chair of The Co-operative Group Len Wardle joins us in our Brighton Pride parade entry

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On Saturday 3 August The Co-operative proudly supported Brighton Pride for the ninth year.

The Co-operative Membership and Respect team worked together to deliver what many of our fifty volunteers hailed our best ever entry in the parade.

The support from our members in our local branches and stores was amazing and to see many of the stores ‘prided up’ put big smiles on our faces. Thank you to everyone that made it happen.

Highlights from our entry included our new Co-operative Food Pride ice cream van, our rainbow barcode shopping trolleys, rainbow rocket lolly costumes and our new huge banners - not to be missed.

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Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

№ 21 | September 2013

“It was our best Brighton Pride experience ever”

Once again Len Wardle, Chair of The Co-operative Group, joined us in our parade entry and enthusiastically engaged with the huge crowds.

We gave away in excess of 15,000 Co-operative branded goodies to the massive crowds that lined the streets on what was a glorious day.

We will bring you photos from our stand in Preston Park in the next issue of Respect.

We hope you like the photos over the next few pages.

We had so much fun!

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

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PRIDE RAISES OVER £43,000 FOR THE RAINBOW FUND

£43,103.00 for the Rainbow Fund to distribute to LGBT/HIV organisations through their grants programme independently administered by the Sussex Community Foundation.

Shortly after the dust has settled on one of the most successful Prides ever staged in Brighton & Hove, Pride organisers announced they had smashed the fundraising target they set themselves and raised

“This is a fantastic, fantastic outcome from Pride, which will hugely benefit the local LGBT and HIV community sector. This amount really reflects how successful the event was this year, and I want to

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Paul Elgood, Chairman of the Rainbow Fund commented:

personally thank the organisers for the immense effort they put into delivering Pride.

“Local LGBT and HIV charities and voluntary sector groups delivering frontline services can already apply for this funding via the Sussex Community Foundation. These groups have until October 11 to apply, and the funding is distributed on a needs-led basis by the independent Rainbow Fund grants panel.”

Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

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“Families, friends, old and new, standing side by side, we're here to celebrate pride with you!”

Here is a selection of the photos we took on the day.

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

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TOP PIC!

Pride by the sea The Co-operative at Brighton Pride 2013 18

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Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

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The Co-operative Food supports Lunch Positive Lunch Positive, the HIV charity which provides a weekly lunch club and social space for positive people staged a community café as part of this year’s Brighton Pride.

The Co-operative Food store on St James’ Street in Brighton proudly donated lots of food stock for the event meaning more money could be raised to go direct to the charity.

The café was run entirely by volunteers, serving a range of hot dishes, cakes, tea & coffee, juices and chilled water. All proceeds from the café will go directly to running the charity and supporting people with HIV. This is the charity’s largest community event and main fundraiser, and this year all 25 volunteers gave over 200 hours in total preparing for and staging the event.

Our Brighton stores brighten up the city The three Co-operative Food stores in Brighton city centre really got into the Pride spirit for this years Brighton Pride. 50 members of staff were proudly wearing our brand new ‘Making history with Pride’ tshirts and every store was decorated with our new Pride posters, Pride flags, balloons and bunting. The stores were looking so bright and wonderful. So many customers were positively commenting too.

Pictured above are employees at The Co-operative Food store on London Road and to the left is the food store on St James’ Street.

How good do they look! Well done everyone!

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

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№ 21| September 2013 ‘Compositing Meeting’ the day before ADM where I agreed to amalgamate our motion with others and was selected to second the whole thing to the full ADM. I’m happy to say the motion was passed and is now Usdaw policy, binding on all pay claims and negotiations – it doesn’t mean every employer will agree to pay the Living Wage, but it’s an important step forward”

Respect Steering Group member Steve Ratcliff takes to the stage at Usdaw’s Annual Conference

More than 1,100 activists packed the Winter Gardens to discuss all the important issues for members at work and in the community. Wages, the economy, the NHS and many other issues were covered.

Steve Ratcliff is an Usdaw representative who works in 1 Angel Square and is the Steering Group member who liaises with the staff trade unions. He was a delegate to Usdaw’s Annual Conference (known as the Annual Delegate Meeting or ADM) at the end of April this year.

Steve told Respect, “It wasn’t my first ADM, but this year was special because I’d proposed the Branch motion to go on the agenda about the Living Wage, which said that all branches of the union should put the Living Wage on their pay claims.”

Steve explained – “The Living Wage is an hourly rate of pay, independently calculated to give the wage rate required to provide a worker enough to provide their family with the essentials of life, including a cushion against unforeseen events. It comes out at a figure higher than the National Minimum Wage, currently it’s £7.45/hour outside London. Because there were motions on the Living Wage from other branches I had to go to a

Support for LGBT members ADM also agreed to back support groups who help young people being bullied because of their sexuality. Peter Wolfe (NW Tesco) told how a number of young people were driven to suicide by relentless bullying at school. “It’s difficult enough for young people to deal with puberty, growing up and everything else and have to come to terms with their own sexuality,” he said. “Bullying people because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender often goes unchecked and so we should be part of their support network.”

More at www.usdaw.org.uk

‘Some people are gay’ in Gaelic!

Stonewall Scotland now offers the iconic, no-nonsense ‘Some people are gay. Get over it!’ posters to Gaelic speakers across Scotland.

The posters can be ordered free from info@stonewallscotland.org.uk.

Developed to help schools tackle homophobic bullying, the slogan

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in English already features on posters, postcards and stickers that have been distributed to every secondary school in Scotland.

It has been so well received by pupils and teachers that the message has gone beyond the school gates to appear on billboards and bus stops.

YouGov polling for Stonewall shows that nine in ten secondary school teachers say children and young people - regardless of their sexual orientation currently experience homophobic bullying in their schools.

Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

№ 21 | September 2013

looks to find ways of supporting other people with mental health problems I thought it was about time to highlight the stats relating to mental health issues within our LGBT community. Although attitudes towards gay people are improving, lots of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people have experienced difficulties in their lives. Being lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender does not, in itself cause mental health problems. Homophobic bullying, rejection from family, harassment at work and poor responses from healthcare professionals are still commonplace for many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. These experiences put us

You may find the

41%

statistics (courtesy of Stonewall) shocking but isn’t about time we acknowledged that more support

of lesbian and bisexual women in Scotland have deliberately harmed themselves in some way

of LGB youngsters who experience homophobic bullying in school attempt or think about taking their own life directly because of the bullying

is needed for those in the LGBT community

51%

who are suffering with mental health problems.

By Lucy Elliot Friend of Respect

One in Four young LGB in Scotland have tried to take their own life at some point

of gay and bisexual men in Scotland said they have felt life was not worth living compared to 17% of men in general

If you would like more information about mental health and available support please visit www.mind.org.uk or www.stonewall.org.uk

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

of transgender people think about ending their lives at some point

20%

at a higher risk of developing mental illness if not already predisposed to it.

84%

LGBT Mental Health

As someone who suffers from Bi-Polar and actively

1/3 of transgender people have attempted suicide at least once

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The Co-operative and Russian vodka

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As reported by www.pinknews.co.uk G-A-Y group have vowed to boycott Russian vodkas in solidarity with LGBT people living in Russia, where gay “propaganda”, and the adoption of children by foreign gay couples were recently made illegal.

Following this news and lots of Respect member queries, and questions to us on Twitter, we asked the business, ‘Will The Co-operative be pulling Russian products from our 4,000+ Food stores?’.

G-A-Y which owns the brand, its bars, and Heaven nightclub, will not be serving Russian vodka from now on, confirmed its founder and owner.

We must be consistent in our approach to trading with countries with less tolerance to peoples differences. While the anti-gay laws in Russia have garnered a lot of International attention recently, it is still legal to be gay in the country. However, in other parts of the world, where The Queen is Head of State, gay people can be jailed for same-sex activity - twelve countries in fact!

Founder and owner of G-A-Y group Jeremy Joseph tweeted to say: “Just in the middle of discussing with our wholesalers, but G-A-Y will not be selling Russian Vodka”. He went on to say that supermarkets should also join the boycott.

Q) I shop at your stores all the time and am writing to ask you to stop selling Russian standard vodka, or indeed any Russian products until they agree to stop persecuting gay and lesbians. It is now a crime to be openly gay in Russia a n d p e o p l e a re b e i n g beaten and abused with the consent of the state. They are even arresting gay tourists and foreign nationals. I believe the Coop was founded out of a desire for fair and equal treatment of all. So please help us to try and fight this brutal inhumane attack on our fellow human beings.

A) We have a long standing approach to human rights and trade that was developed with our members. It sets out the exceptional circumstances under which we may consider

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The Respect network Steering Group worked with The Co-operative’s Ethical Team on the response - see below.

suspending trade with a state, region or settlement.

h u m a n r i g h t s a n d t ra d e issues.

The Co-operative Group has a long standing commitment to diversity and supporting the diverse communities that we serve. Being the only retailer to feature in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index Top 100 and a business that supports more lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) events, charities and initiatives than any other business in the UK, we take the queries we are receiving about boycotting Russian products seriously.

Trade is a force for good, but in exceptional circumstances the benefits of trade may be undermined. Withdrawing trade is not a decision we take lightly, as we fully recognise that it may deprive people of an income when they are a l re a d y s u f f e r i n g u n d e r oppression.

The Co-operative Group does not condone and strongly opposes the persecution of lesbian, gay and bisexual nationals and visitors in Russia as a result of their sexuality, that they do not choose.

The Policy reflects our values of openness and honesty, and sets out our commitment to a c o n s i s t e n t ap p ro a ch t o

So, we will only withdraw trade from a state or region if at least one of the following conditions are met: 1. Where the democratic representatives of a country call for a withdrawal of trade 2. W h e r e there is international consensus that the status of a designated region or state is illegal 3. Where there is strong evidence that trade is a contributory factor to a conflict.

Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

№ 21 | September 2013

Respect is the most followed UK employee LGBT network on Twitter Since the last issue of Respect we have continued to grow and we are proud to announce that our Twitter account now has over 6,100 followers. Big Respect thanks to all of our followers. If you’re on Twitter, why not follow us!

This month’s Top Tweets

Some of our Twitter followers include Grivas Kopti : @grivaskopti Mr Spears. Factual Assistant at ITV Studios.

Jane Antrobus : @antro52 Retired Detective Chief Supt and Actor in new ITV drama series - Crime Stories

choccywoccydoodah : @choccywoccyshop Unique handmade chocolate + cakes.

As seen on TV.

LGBTU BHT : @LgbtuBht Brighton Housing Trust's LGBTU twitter news!

Inter-Media : @Inter_MediaUK InterMedia-an LGBT network for creative media folk. Events, representation & good, good company

What you’ve been saying about our Pride support on The Co-operative Facebook page

Follow us @CoopRespectLGBT #respectLGBT

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

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Business of the Year Co-operative Respect Network

Please vote us your winner. Thank you!

Serenity Security Solutions The Quest

Lesbian, gay or bisexual role model of the Year Andie Worrall Jen Yockney Lee Wicks

Public Sector Partner of the Year Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Greater Manchester Police

Volunteer of the Year Andrew Edwards Sam Aldridge Johnathan Bland

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s annual Homo Heroes Awards, now in its third year, gives people the chance to recognise individuals, groups and organisations that have made a difference to the lives of lesbian, gay and bisexual people, in the past year.

The charity has announced the top 3 finalists in each of the 7 award categories, and are encouraging people to vote for who they want to be their Homo Heroes.

Paul Martin OBE, Chief Executive of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, comments "This year has seen the most nominations ever, and we have been overwhelmed with some of the humbling stories of people and organisations who are dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay and bisexual people”.

“The nominations have been diverse; from Revered Hayley Matthews, a gay woman in the Church of England who speaks out against prejudice; Simon James Clark who set up a local support group after been diagnosed with HIV and suffering from depression to Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, who have demonstrated a commitment to providing services to the LGB&T community.”

Community Group or Organisation of the Year Outdoorlads Friends of Sackville Gardens Manchester Canalsiders

LGB&T Venue of the Year Contact Theatre Richmond Tea Rooms Taurus The voting period is open now and will close on 21 September 2013.

The will be announced at an awards ceremony in October 2013 in Manchester. There will be a prize draw on the night with all proceeds going to The Lesbian & Gay Foundation. The recipient of The Alan Turing Memorial Award will be decided by a panel.

For biographies on each of the finalists and to vote visit www.lgf.org.uk/hero

The top 3 finalists in each of the 7 categories are; Community Champion of the Year Reverend Hayley Matthews Tony Cooper Simon James Clark

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Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

№ 21 | September 2013

The Co-operative’s LGBT advertising continues Influenced by the Respect network Steering Group, The Cooperative has continued to advertise in LGBT publications all over the UK. Ben Brosnan, Communications Coordinator for the Respect network commented,”The Respect team is delighted that the Group continue to see how advertising in LGBT publications can support the The Co-operative’s strategy of engaging with our diverse population and to the younger demographic.”

If you pick up a copy of the August issues of the Midlands biggest free LGBT mag ‘Midlands Zone’ you’ll find our fab ‘Making history with Pride’ advert opening their ‘Summer of Pride’ feature. Our new ‘You’re welcome’ advert takes pride of place on the back page of the August/ September issue of ‘Out North West’ too. In 2013 we have advertised or been featured in every major LGBT publication in the UK!

A personal message to all ‘Friends of Respect’ from Gill Barr, Marketing Director at The Co-operative Group I’d like to send my congratulations to the Respect network for your

impressive engagement with our employees, members and customers.

Whether being the most followed LGBT network on Twitter (over 6,000 followers in 6 months, wow), producing a great diverse magazine each month and influencing the Group to advertise more authentically to the LGBT consumer, you’re doing a stellar job.

I look forward to seeing what's next.

Gill

Read our Manchester Pride special feature in the next issue of Respect - published at the beginning of October!

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

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Respect’s Co-chair Thomas Anderson becomes a George House Trust Ambassador Last month, Thomas Anderson, Co-chair of the Respect network was appointed a George House Trust (GHT) Ambassador.

This is formal acknowledged by GHT of his ongoing support to GHT over the years and commitment to positively supporting the charity and promoting the work that they do.

On the recognition, Thomas commented, ‘To be asked by the GHT team to become one of their first Ambassadors is an absolute honour. I am immensely proud to have been asked and will do my very best to continue to positively support and promote the fantastic and essential work they do to support people living with and affected by HIV.’

The Co-operative supports the National AIDS Trust The Co-operative recently supported NAT (National AIDS Trust), the UK's leading charity dedicated to transforming society's response to HIV, in a number of ways.

Although The Co-operative did not have a parade entry at London Pride this year, we sponsored the NAT volunteer t-shirts for their parade entry (see photo below).

Not only that, NAT recently received some funding from The Co-operative to go towards their annual ‘Spring Awakening’ event. We have heard lots of fantastic things about the event that raises vital funds for the charity.

Find out more about the George House Trust by visiting www.ght.org.uk

D E P P SNA

LEFT: Coronation Street star ‘Jenny McAlpine’ who plays Fizz is pictured flying our ‘Here for you this Pride’ flag at the Village Bakers ‘Bake Off’ event where she was a judge.

RIGHT: X Factor star ‘Shayne Ward’ (middle) is pictured with Respect member and founder of Respect George Meudell at Manchester Pride 2013.

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Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

№ 21 | September 2013

E

V

E

NIGHT ON THE TOWN GIRLS NIGHT OUT 30 SEPT @ 7:30PM BLOOMSBURY THEATRE LONDON

N

T

S

PRIDE CHESTER PRIDE 5 OCT @ 2PM - 6:30PM CHESTER TOWN HALL SQ

A free event celebrating diversity in the city. This is Chester's first Pride festival and is set to be a great event, with fun activities for all the family.

Live acts will be on our main stage in front of the Town Hall from 2pm until 6.30pm featuring X factor finalists Chris Maloney and Amelia Lily!

After the sell-out success of last year, Stonewall have announced another night of fabulously funny all-female comedians, coming together in aid of the charity, including Derek star Kerry Godliman and Mock the Week’s, Zoe Lyons. The event is also supported by g3 magazine.

In what is sure to be an evening to tickle you pink, our MC for the night Jen Brister, together with Hannah Gadsby, Francesca Martinez, Angie McEvoy, Leisa Rea, Suzi Ruffell and Rosie Wilby will be joining forces for your comedy pleasure.

Tickets cost £25 and can be booked via the Bloomsbury Theatre Booking site at www.thebloomsbury.com All money raised from the night will go towards the Education for All programme which tackles homophobic bullying and helps schools celebrate different families.

HOPELESSLY DEVOTED

BY KATE TEMPEST 25 OCT @ 7:30PM BIRMINGHAM LGBT CENTRE Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

Celebrations will continue at our official Pride after parties in a range of gay and gay-friendly venues!

As well as a main stage there will be a lifestyle area in Chester Town Hall, an outside marketplace, local artists and an outside bar area all in Town Hall Square.

For more info visit www.chesterpride.co.uk

Chess is in prison. Facing a lengthy sentence, her cell mate becomes her soul mate. But when Serena is given parole, Chess faces total isolation.

Hope comes in the form of a music producer looking for a reason to love music again. She finds a powerful voice in Chess. But to harness her talent, Chess must first face her past.

Following her smash-hit debut Wasted, Kate Tempest’s incendiary new play combines lyrical fireworks with exhilarating live music. Wasted premiered in Birmingham prior to a highlyacclaimed national tour and sell-out London run so don’t miss this opportunity to see Kate’s explosive new work. Tickets cost £7/£10 For more info visit www.blgbt.org/hopelessly-devoted-by-katetempest

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Respect meets...

The Co-operative Group’s Inclusion and Diversity Manager Sharon Pegg How did you join the business?

I joined the business in August 2012, previously working for Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (3 years) and prior to that, East North East Homes Leeds (Leeds CC) and Bradford & Bingley PLC (19 years).

I started my working career at Bradford & Bingley as a Customer Services Adviser, achieving various promotions and eventually becoming a Branch Manager.

I took the opportunity to work on secondment within the Learning and Development Team and I suppose it was there that I feel my career took real direction. I stayed in that field and covered various HR roles, including Equality Manager for Bradford and Bingley Group. This is now my specialist field.

household! Sam is also currently training with the Huddersfield Giants Academy, so it really is a busy weekend of sports.

What does being a diversity and inclusion manager entail?

I love to cook and bake - finding it really therapeutic, especially when it’s edible - believe me there have been a few disasters! My specialist dishes include “Chicken and ginger glazed with honey” and “Dandelion and Burdock Cake”. This is a must for all chocolate lovers!

Apart from that, I love to travel - New York being my favourite place. I have family who live there, so it’s a great excuse to go and visit.

By nature my job is very diverse - excuse the pun! I can be writing policy one day and writing and running learning session’s the next!

My area runs through every part of the HR arena underpinned by legislation. I consider myself to be very fortunate to have such an interesting role which can have a very positive impact on everyone who works for our family of businesses.

What is your background?

I live in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, with my husband Wayne and son, Sam (14 years). Not forgetting Max our embarrassing 9 year old golden lab – he’s getting older and seems to be forgetting all his doggy manners! On a recent day out to Bridlington he decided not only to sprinkle a newly built sand castle, but also the 7 year old girls who had built this masterpiece. Fortunately, all parties did see the funny side!!!

My weekends tend to be taken up on some sports field either football or rugby watching my son, Sam. My husband coaches the local team, so it’s sports mad in our

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What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

What does your team do to support employees?

The whole team are very hands on and work exceptionally hard! The team have a duel role of not only working with me on the different elements of diversity and inclusion but also engagement which is run by my colleague Tess Shannon – Group Employee Engagement Manger. From a diversity and inclusion perspective they provide specialist advice and guidance across the business linked to casework, training and education and supporting our annual return and accreditation submissions. Our advisers also support Talkback, our annual employee engagement survey – from the initial design, planning and implementation stages through to analysis and feedback of results.

Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

№ 21 | September 2013

How does The Co-operative ensure it has a diverse and inclusive work force?

Having a fair and equal recruitment procedure is a must. We strive to ensure our recruiting managers have the skills in order to meet these needs. I have just written an Unconscious Bias piece to fit into the “Right First Time” training. In addition an elearning package will also be made available later this year.

beyond this to ensure an inclusive environment for all.

How does ‘Respect’ support what your department are doing?

Respect are simply part of our team. I find the Respect Steering Group inspirational in terms of their

Over the past 8 months we have also been working closely with Vicky Swift in Resourcing, unpicking our current process around Inclusion. This has turned in to something a little special creating “Project You’re Welcome”

What are you most proud of in your career with us so far?

I am not sure I could just pick one! I was very proud to be part of the “Equal Marriage campaign” and International Women’s Day/ Aspires 1st birthday. Both had a positive impact on the Group and the ongoing progression of our inclusive agenda.

What challenges or goals do you aim to achieve for the business?

The team and I do have a number of goals to achieve this year. Policy refresh is hot on the agenda, along with training and learning sessions planned for different business areas, developing the “Pearls” leadership programme, diversity census, supporting REACH (Race, ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) and continuing to support ASPIRE and RESPECT to name just a few.

In what ways are the rights of LGBT employees supported?

Being an Inclusive employer means that when we are looking at a new initiative or writing a new policy we capture the needs of all our colleagues. This means not only treating people as individuals but also capturing their personal and business needs. We use legislation as the foundation, but seek to go

We are being contacted by more and more retailers wanting to learn from us –and we view this as part of the natural progression of our journey. Our learning is ongoing and it is so important to support each other. The membership continues to grow. Exciting things are constantly happening in the different regions and making a big impact!

Social networking is playing an increasingly important part in getting messages to a wider audience, and I am brushing up on my Twitter skills! (Twitter @PeggSharon).

ideas, their support and their level of commitment - all done on a voluntary basis and second to none.

The Respect group is very supportive with other networks, sharing their learning and experience. This has been incredibly valuable to both ASPIRE and REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage), the Group’s newest employee networks.

In terms of long term goals, “You’re Welcome” is a project which aims to promote diversity and inclusion in our recruitment process. This is about going right back to basics, looking at the values of the Group, what it means to be an inclusive employer and having the opportunity to turn this into a brand.

The models used for the ‘You’re Welcome’ awareness campaign were our very own colleagues from across the Group. We have lots more about this in the next issue of Respect.

Where do you see Respect in 5 years time?

Certainly being the role model for other retailers to aspire to.

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

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James Wharton As an openly gay soldier, how did your colleagues react to you being featured on the cover of Attitude magazine as well as being a high profile role model through your work with Stonewall?

A lot of my friends within my regiment, the Household Cavalry, were very supportive, and quite impressed by the cover... but I took a risk in doing it because I was speaking out over equal marriage. The army would never, in a million years, sanction such a stunt, and I knew it... but it was a question of conscious to me, and I decided to go ahead with it having felt compelled on the matter. In terms of having a ‘high profile’, again, my friends have become quite used to it and are always very supportive of the work I do. It was indeed, the army who gave me this profile by putting me on the cover of their ‘Soldier’ magazine in 2009 and choosing me to be their poster boy. I’m proud to have contributed to making the army a much more gay friendly place compared to what it was when I joined in 2003.

Have you ever personally experienced homophobia in every day life?

I have yes. In and out of the army. Within three hours of joining the army, on the very first day the platoon sergeant in charge of me during basic training told us all that ‘faggots’ would not be tolerated. Of course, he was from the army of the past, but when I joined ten years ago, the majority of the army had served before the law changed surrounding gay servicemen and women, in 2000. The equality that was promised just hadn’t been delivered, and I felt scared. I was also beaten very badly in 2005, not long after coming out in London by another soldier who had tricked me into returning to his room in the barracks with him after chatting me up in the on camp bar.

The army acted on that occasion and the soldier was court martialled and fined.

Do you think the army is seen as being an inclusive place for LGB people where they could build a career?

Find out more about James at www.james-wharton.com

Respect caught up with former soldier, Stonewall Role Model and author

I think the army is seen as a forward moving employer of LGB people today, but it still has it’s weaknesses. I, and people like me, have made huge efforts to make it look more gay friendly, and I’m very pleased about that, but it is failing in a significant way, too. There are no openly gay senior officials above the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Diversity features across the ranks, up until the point of ultimate authority where it then disappears. In the very senior corridors of power, there’s no openly gay person, there’s no role model. And until the army addresses this inequality in its command element, I don’t think it can be taken seriously over it’s position on inclusiveness for LGB people.

We hear the army has an LGBT network too. Do you know much about it and what role does it play?

I know a lot about it, I was a part of it for some time and it’s a great network too, doing great work supporting LGBT soldiers serving all over the world. But it is undermined I feel by the lack of senior out officers and also by the Defense Sec’s shambolic record on supporting LGBT equality in the commons. I think the Army LGBT forum should be doing more campaigning to address these shortcomings in the organisation; often, I feel it doesn’t have a voice.

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@jameswharton

Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

№ 21 | September 2013

You've left the army now.

How are you adapting to civi life?

I haven’t really noticed it yet to be honest. I’ve been crazy busy with my book and the book tour which accompanied it’s launch. I think once the dust settles and I’ve enjoyed a holiday over the Summer, I will start to feel differently. I’m lucky to have an amazing family and some great friends around me to pick me up if I suddenly find myself a little depressed.

southern Iraq and my exchanges with the American military and in particular, a soldier I met whilst there who really changed my thought process on gay equality.

What is the most romantic thing your civil partner Tom has ever done for you?

He’s always doing little things. He works in the airline industry, so we spend a fair bit of time apart. I often find little notes he’s left for me whilst he’s away or the like. He took me to New York for Christmas a few years ago, and the trip was ridiculously romantic from start to finish. We ended up planning a Civil Partnership very soon after it.

After pushing your debut book, what is next for you?

OUT NOW!

Tell us about your book. For someone that has not come across you before, what can they expect from reading it?

Well, the book looks at the changes I’ve witnessed first hand, with regard to gay equality within the British Army over the past decade. I explore these changes through my own experiences, which have been very varied during my career. But more, the book looks at the personal journey I’ve gone through as an individual, recalling my early fleeting experiences with my sexuality in my mid teen years, to finally embracing who I was at the age of 18, as a serving soldier in central London. I go on to talk about serving abroad operationally in

I’ve really caught the writing bug so I’d love to write another book. I’m also still involved with Stonewall’s Education for All campaign, and talking to school children about gay equality is something I’ve really enjoyed... I’d like to further explore that area. I think supporting young LGBT people is crucial.

Have you been attending any Pride events this Summer and what role do you think the events have in todays society?

I’ve been attending more than I’ve ever attended before. I’m an ambassador for London Community LGBT+ Pride, and I think the team behind this year’s event has done an incredible job to pick the torch up and pull off the event. I’ve also supported Bristol Pride and Brighton Pride. I LOVE Manchester Pride and the community feeling that comes with it in and around the village.

Pride events are a chance for us to celebrate how far we’ve come as a community, and to celebrate our communities achievements, but I also see them as vital opportunities to show the government of the day, and opposers to gay equality that we are hear, and that we do matter.

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

They are as relevant today as they were in the 80’s I feel.

How important do you think role models are and did you have one growing up?

It’s impossible to measure just how valuable and important they are to young people. There have been too many LGB teen suicides over the past few years, and it breaks my heart meeting the mothers of those tragic individuals who just haven’t been protected from homophobia and discrimination. Being a role model is a responsibility, but it’s incredibly important youngsters have this variety of role models to look up to and aspire to be like. It drives me to continue on with school visits for Stonewall, and it was the driving force behind me deciding to go ahead with the Attitude front cover last year.

My role model growing up was Elton John. I was inspired by how authentic he was coupled with his success. He, for me, wore his sexuality on his sleeve and I truly admired that. We need heroes. and he’s mine.

“The Co-operative is leading from the front within the corporate sector with regard to supporting the forward advancement in gay equality which is evident in your supporting and sponsoring of 17 Pride events in 2013. Tackling homophobia and prejudice attitudes is incredibly important and hugely relevant today, and by supporting Pride events, the Co-op is underlining it's commitment to equality.”

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Respect hosts a stop off on James’ book tour

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On 4 July over 80 ‘Friends of Respect’ joined us in The Co-operative Bank’s board room to hear James Wharton talk more about his book and experiences in the army. It was a great night., enjoyed by all. Big thanks to Taurus bar for offering all attendees a free drink.

Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

№ 21 | September 2013

‘Born To Die’ songstress Lana Del Rey pops into The Co-operative Food A Team Member in Glasgow has told of her disbelief at meeting US pop star Lana Del Rey - at her work in a Glasgow branch of The Co-operative Food.

the American singer and that she should think about doing impersonations. She turned around and said ‘I am Lana Del Rey’.

“At first I didn’t believe her and told her she must be joking and so I said ‘but she is American’. She laughed and responded ‘but I am American.’ I still didn’t believe her.”

The 26-year-old then pulled out a recent copy of Vogue, carrying a recent photoshoot, to prove who she was to the shop assistant.

Anona Evans was working at our Shawlands branch when she spotted a woman with a remarkable resemblance to the American singer-songwriter.

After realising the Video Games singer was telling the truth, Miss Evans asked her for an autograph.

“I tried to find a piece of paper, but Lana said she would get the copy of Vogue and sign it for me. She even offered to pay for it.”

Miss Del Rey, who was set to perform at the city’s SECC, has been spotted regularly in Glasgow since rumours emerged of a romance with Kassidy guitarist Barrie James O’Neill.

She added: “She kept telling me I was really cute and when she had finished she gave me a huge hug and kissed me on the cheek.”

Miss Evans, 46, from Darnley, Glasgow, said she saw Del Rey waiting in the queue to be served.

Miss Del Rey has reportedly grown fond of the city, referring to it on one magazine interview as the place where she was “happiest”.

She said: “I saw a woman standing at the back and thought to myself ‘that looks like Lana Del Rey.’ “I started to serve her and told her she really looked like

What a result!

Organisers of Birmingham Pride have announced that a staggering £75,136 has been raised to fund future local LGBT projects following the success this year’s event, which was held over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend in May.

Our intranet article featuring Cleopatra star ‘Cleo Higgins’ gives us a big LOL Our intranet article about our support of Brighton & Manchester Prides has had lots of likes and one of the page comments has given us and many others a massive LOL moment. We thought we’d share it.

“I once saw Cleopatra walking around Mersey way shopping mall in Stockport. Being a massive fan, I instantly ran over to them. However, in my haste I lost all the chocolate biscuits from my Muller crunch corner I was holding. I was pretty embarrassed by the whole ordeal, so I just did that "missed the bus" run, where you just keep running. I ate the yogurt on it's own when I was out of sight. It was alright.” - Richard Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

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Proudly sponsored by

y Jul 4 1 11 3 201 ter es nch a M

On a very sunny Saturday ten Respect members volunteered their day to support Europe’s biggest Transgender celebration ‘Sparkle’. Some of the tasks our volunteers undertook included signing over 200 people into the workshops that were held at the Lesbian & Gay Foundation offices, handing out stickers and flags and answering questions from the huge crowds that attended the event.

We also sponsored the Youth & Family space, organised by LGBT Youth North West and a first for the event.

There was a bouncy castle, smoothie bike, dressing up, chill out area and loads more.

The Respect team were so proud to have arranged The Co-operative’s sponsorship of the event and to be a part of the celebrations. The event was really inclusive with lots of families and a real diverse crowd.

At the workshops, The Co-operative’s Head of Employee Engagement & Diversity Liz Bramley delivered a workshop about diversity within The Co-operative.

There was so much going on and the ‘Sparkle’ team did an amazing job.

Find out more at sparkle.org.uk

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Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

â„– 21 | September 2013

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

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We have already brought you interviews with the team from Stonewall and Stonewall Cymru. Now it’s Stonewall Scotland’s turn. We caught up with the Director of Stonewall Scotland Colin Macfarlane For those not familiar with Stonewall Scotland, please introduce us to the work that you do?

Stonewall Scotland was set up in 2000 to ensure that Stonewall’s work was reflected in the new devolved environment after the first Scottish Parliament elections in 1999. So essentially we cover all the main bases in Scotland around social policy and we campaign to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people have full equality at home, at work, at school and in public services such as the NHS, local government and housing. We also work closely with the Scottish Government and Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) on key policy areas, such as equal marriage for example.

How is Stonewall Scotland different to Stonewall and Stonewall Cymru?

We’re not very much different in that we are all working across the same business plan priorities. What is brilliant about working for Stonewall is that we are a GB organisation but at Stonewall Scotland we pretty much have autonomy to deliver on the business plan in a way that works in Scotland.

What is your role at Stonewall Scotland?

I’m the Director of Stonewall Scotland, so my job is to lead on the overall strategy and delivery of our key business priorities as well as leading our public affairs, communications and media work. My job is made all the more easier by the fact I have a fantastic team in Scotland who work on our education, workplace and public services roles. Couldn’t do it without them and without our volunteers too who really help us out on a day-to-day basis.

You've done lots of work to support Equal Marriage. Scotland was ahead of England and Wales with progressing for equality. Why do you think this is?

Well, we were ahead that’s true but England and Wales are now streets ahead of Scotland in terms of equal marriage.

It is now law in England and Wales, we’ve not even had our Bill debated yet in Scotland! We’ve been working hard though to ensure the Scottish bill is going to work for all LGBT people and we’ve been telling the Government to get on with it. Hopefully, fingers crossed, equal marriage should be law in Scotland early next year and even though the majority of MSPs and all the party leaders in Scotland support it we’re not taking anything for granted and we’ll be campaigning hard to make sure equal marriage becomes a reality in Scotland.

We have heard about the Stonewall Scotland Workplace Conference, taking place in Edinburgh on 28 November. We'd love to know more!

Our workplace conference is the biggest event in Scotland Scotland’s calendar. We’ve obviously got our seminar series throughout the year but this is the culmination of all that work. Essentially it is the must-attend event for anyone involved in the delivery of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality in the workplace and it will put you in the forefront of all the best practice out there. I’m thrilled that this year we’ve got great and inspirational speakers lined up including Neil Bentley, Deputy Director-General of the CBI, Jeane Freeman, Board Chair of the Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Paul Chapman, Chief Controls Officer for Barclays Corporate & Investment Bank and our very own CEO Ben Summerskill with more names to be announced soon. It’s Stonewall Scotland’s sixth workplace conference and my third and I honestly think it will be our best yet. We’d love to see The Co-operative gang there this year, but I’d hurry, places are booking up fast!

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Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

№ 21 | September 2013

How can people support the work you are doing in Scotland?

We’re very proud that we don’t seek nor do we ask for any Government money to fund our core work. All our campaigning work is made possible by the generosity of thousands of supporters and without sounding totally gushy, I’m incredibly thankful and humbled by them, we honestly couldn’t do our work without them. I’m also often a bit startled what lengths they go to to raise funds for us – some of them throw themselves out of planes and one of our supporters is even going to swim with sharks to raise money for our equal marriage campaign work! There are several ways to help us including becoming a Friend of Stonewall Scotland or fundraising for us. You can find more information in this link. http://www.stonewallscotland.org.uk/scotland/ what_you_can_do/donate/default.asp

What about our Respect members. How can they get more involved?

There are all sorts of ways such as becoming a Friend of Stonewall Scotland or taking part in fundraising activities.

We always love having people come and volunteer with us and it would be great as the Scottish equal marriage campaign really gets underway if Scottish Respect members write to or tweet their MSP asking them to say I do to equal marriage by voting for it.

Stonewall Scotland supports the 'T' in LGBT. What does this support look like?

We do indeed. We ensure that transgender work is a central part to all our programmes so it is central in education and workplace recourses and training seminars, our research output, our work with Scotland’s public services and in all our public affairs and lobbying work.

What is next for Stonewall Scotland?

The Scottish equal marriage campaign is obviously going to be a major part of our work over the next year, but I’m also really keen to emphasise that marriage isn’t the only show in town. We’ve got a big piece of research which we’re publishing in the autumn which will look at LGBT Scots experiences and expectations of our key public services such as the NHS. The results are just in so our policy team are busy analysing all the data and we will use the findings of that research to work across Scotland’s public services to influence changes that need to happen to ensure they are fit for purpose for all LGBT people. Our education work continues and we will be out across Scotland working with schools ensuring our teachers are confident in dealing with homophobic bullying and our work to ensure our workplaces are environments where people can flourish and be themselves is on-going, so it’s busy and full steam ahead!

We hear you were number 10 on the 'Scotland on Sunday' 2012 Eligible list. How did this make you feel? Are you still a bachelor?

It was all a tad bizarre and I couldn’t quite believe I made top ten. It caused much amusement in the office and among my friends! And yes, I am still a bachelor. I really need to do something about that. Honestly, time is ticking on and imagine the irony if we manage to get equal marriage and I’ve not got anyone to get equally married to.

What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?

Pretty much the usual stuff, love catching up with my friends and family, reading, watching a good box set and hitting the gym (though not as much I should be).

Find out more: Web: www.stonewallscotland.org.uk Twitter: @StonewallScot Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

The co-operative 37 Respect Magazine

№ 21| September 2013

ELLY BARNES Education and celebration Elly was voted No1 in The Independent on Sundays Pink List 2011 for her commitment to promoting LGBT in education and was awarded a ‘highly commended’ by the TES ‘Teacher of the Year’ 2012.

What prompted you to get involved with LGBT education?

I became totally immersed in the well being of my new cohort of year 7’s in 2005. I was new in post and wanted to set a new ethos of respect and understanding for each other and eradicate all forms of hurtful language and behaviour by using my assemblies and lessons as platforms to be inclusive.

Section 28 had been repealed in 2003 and LGBT History month was a response to this, therefore is was an exciting and ideal opportunity in 2005 for me and my tutor team to incorporate an awareness of LGBT people into our curriculum.

Where does your passion come from?

I guess it comes from several places! There is definitely a powerful force within me that wants to enforce change in the very unequal world in which we live and I totally believe that our young people are part of the answer, if we educate them in equalities then they will be empowered to see the world in a cohesive sense rather than a world where people are divided. Creating institutional change in schools is a long consultative process which is well worth the journey to reap the benefits of an enlightened environment where everyone can be who they want to be, we all want to walk around our workplace being who we are without any fear of discrimination don’t we?!

Also I have seen several students and teachers being bullied with devastating consequences and students feeling they cannot talk about the same-sex family they come from and of course my own experiences of LGBT people being totally invisible and never talked about, only in a Les Dawson over the back hedge type way!

How did it feel to become No 1 on the Pink List in 2011?

What an amazing time that was, very unexpected, surprising and completely overwhelming. They rang to say I was on the list so could I send a photo. I was very happy to make the top 101. It was only the next day when they said they were sending a car for me to go on the BBC news; then I understood that I was voted No1! Illuminating in the sense that I was an unknown and also as I was in the field of education and not a celebrity. Therefore I had no option but to use the opportunity to say the word

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‘lesbian’ as many times of possible on the BBC! The experience helped to spread the ‘Educate and Celebratehow to make your school LGBT friendly’ strategy to a wider audience and encourage more teachers to use the methods confidently.

“It comes down to policy; these are the driving forces, which must be implemented in our schools by teachers.”

What would you say to any school or teacher out there that does not feel the need for this education?

It comes down to policy; these are the driving forces, which must be implemented in our schools by teachers.

Our Equality Act 2010 says we must treat all the 9 protected characteristics equally and fairly, transgender identity and sexual orientation being two of these. Ofsted criteria tells us that we must tackle all forms of bullying including homophobic and transphobic. Our schools ‘Equal Opportunities’ policy and ‘Sex and Relationships’ policies include LGBT people and same-sex relationships, we need to protect all our students through Safeguarding and antibullying campaigns, section 28 was repealed in 2003, create community cohesion, SEAL (Social and Emotional aspects of learning), SMSC policy (spiritual, moral, social and cultural)……need I go on?

Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

№ 21 | September 2013

Tell us about SchoolsOUT SchoolsOUT is an organisation that has been working towards LGBT equality since 1974; the aims are to make schools safe places for staff and students to be out and proud. We do this through: • Campaigning - www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk • Training - www.ellybarnes.com • Providing LGBT related resource for the classroom www.the-classroom.org.uk We hold two conferences per year, the pre-launch every November and the AGM every February. The prelaunch provides workshops for young people and their teachers along with resources, speakers, debates for everyone all stimulated by our curriculum focus. This year was the year of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) therefore we held our event at Bletchley Park, highlighting the work of gay mathematician Alan Turing.

How are you involved?

I am the schools rep for SchoolsOUT and LGBT History Month on a committee of 10 people, all volunteers, chaired by Sue Sanders and Tony Fenwick. I have been with them for approx 5 years and have established the ‘Educate and Celebrate program’ as our national teacher-training course which all teachers and schools can be part of.

Tell us about your ‘Educate and Celebrate’ training course?

Newington School used the ‘usualising’ and ‘actualising’ methods recommended by SchoolsOUT and Ofsted deemed us Centre of Best Practice for successfully tackling homophobic bullying. I have since written the ‘Educate and Celebrate’ standards that I offer to schools as a guide to make their school LGBT friendly. They focus on Training, Curriculum, Policies, Environment and Participation. When a school has met the standards they can display my rainbow logo to say they have my stamp of approval and are indeed an LGBT friendly school.

How can teachers/schools get involved?

Anyone who wants to get involved can get in touch with me at elly@ellybarnes.com and keep a look out for LGBT events in their areas at www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk Resources for the classroom can be found at www.the-classroom.org.uk where anyone can download free lesson plans in all key stages and all subjects with PowerPoint’s, worksheets and resources.

We have done all the hard work for you! If you have tried and tested successful lesson plans you want to contribute to the website then please email me for more details, we are always open to updating and expanding our resources.

I hold ‘Educate and Celebrate’ showcases in London and Birmingham each February to highlight the inclusive LGBT work in schools. All schools are welcome to get in touch and take part.

The 1-day course is available to teachers, leadership teams, governors, support staff and anyone involved in education. As well as teachers, my last session attracted a PhD student, West Midlands Police, a Theatre Company, NHS and charity workers.

I also deliver the training within schools to whole staff as part of their CPD and INSET programs then work with leadership teams and departments to find ways in which we can implement an LGBT curriculum that fits within the structure of their school.

All the strategies, skills and resources are ideas that I have tried and tested within my own classroom and have proved to be the most effective, I would never recommend anything that I haven't tried myself. Stoke

'Section 28' update from Stonewall You may have seen from recent media coverage that some schools are continuing to use the language of Section 28 forbidding the ‘promotion of homosexuality’ - in their policies.

Stonewall are continuing to urge the Government to update its guidance on sex and relationship education and ensure the new

national curriculum reflects the lives of lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

There are a number of ways that Stonewall supporters can get involved: • You can check to see if your local schools are using ‘Section 28’ style language. Most schools publish their policies on their website.

• You can apply to be a school governor. This means you’ll be able to help set school policies

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

and ensure they’re appropriately supportive.

• You can support our work to tackle homophobic bullying by becoming a friend of Stonewall.

These events are a timely reminder that in spite of the hardwon legal equality we now enjoy in Britain there’s so much more to do to make sure that all young people can one day realise every ounce of their potential.

Visit www.stonewall.org.uk

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№ 21| September 2013

Hundreds in Manchester find inspiration at Stonewall Workplace Conference Over 200 delegates from major British employers attending today’s Stonewall Workplace Conference in Manchester heard from inspirational speakers including Coronation Street actor Charlie Condou, Leicestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Steph Morgan, and the Environment Agency’s Head of Strategic Coordination Lisa Pinney. ITV, the British Army, Accenture, The Co-operative and Ernst & Young were among the employers sharing best practice at the Conference.

During his speech about being a gay man working in the media, Charlie Condou said: ‘If I’d seen gay role models back in my teens, those years would have been very different. Thank god gay teens today can see dozens of different pictures of gay adulthood, letting them know they can be whoever they want to be – just like their straight friends. It’s not perfect, but we’re getting there.’

During a heartfelt speech about the importance of being a role model, Assistant Chief Constable Steph Morgan said: ‘You can’t be a leader if you can’t be yourself. I had a team, and I couldn’t tell you who was married or much about their lives – I never asked those questions because I didn’t want those questions back. I realised I had to come out, and to show an interest in others if I wanted to lead them.’

Stonewall Head of Workplace Simon Feeke said: ‘People perform better when they can be themselves, and it’s no coincidence that employers who ‘Friend of Respect’ Charlie Condou recognise this perform far

better than those who don’t. It’s fantastic to see so many great employers taking equality so seriously, and treating it as a major factor in their success.’

Liz Bramley, Head of Employee Engagement and Diversity at The Co-operative shared some of our successes and learnings around ‘monitoring’ at the event. The Co-operative is featured in the Stonewall 2013 Workplace Equality Index as a Case Study for monitoring due to our leading practices that go well beyond that of most employers in the UK.

Five me mber the Res s of pect network Steering Group a lso atte nded the con ference .

Liz Bramley

We were tweeting throughout the event and lots of our tweets were displayed on the interactive screens at the event. The screens were a great opportunity for us to share some of our successes and to also invite the attendees to some of out upcoming events.

Find out more about Stonewall, the work they do and details of their upcoming events at www.stonewall.org.uk

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Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

№ 21 | September 2013

“

Feeling you can be as

open

as you want to be is, I think, a very

freeing experience and one that can be

”

authentic role models programme

A one day programme for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff to think about authenticity and being a role model in the workplace

people perform better when they can be themselves At Stonewall we know how important role models are to our sense of self. Along with hundreds of leading employers across the UK, we understand that people perform better when they can be themselves.

Designed specifically for

lesbian, gay and bisexual staff at all levels of an organisation, this one day programme will help you to explore what it means to be authentic in the workplace and how you can become an effective LGB role model.

Become an authentic role model today - email leadership@stonewall.org.uk

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

The co-operative 41 Respect Magazine

№ 21| September 2013

Equal Marriage : Something LGBT people in the UK will be considering some time soon!

Talk before you walk (down the aisle) Half of all married couples never discuss where to live or whether to have children before they get wed, but divorce beckons for those who are aren’t candid when courting, reveals a new study issued recently.

The research highlighted that almost one third of couples that had split up blamed rows about their views on having kids and the involvement of inlaws in their relationship. For one sixth, religious differences caused the biggest strain in their marriage. In the UK, two in five marriages* now end in divorce.

The poll by The Co-operative Legal Services shows that one quarter of married couples don’t see the need to discuss each other’s views on having children before tying the knot, while two thirds don’t see the point in talking about future ambitions and lifestyle choices.

The major reasons for divorce were shown to be love affairs followed by selfishness. However, one in five couples who had parted said that personality and compatibility issues were to blame, and almost one in ten people blamed interfering in-laws.

Those who have been through a divorce appear to have learnt from their mistakes, as 10 per cent more divorcees than married couples, stated it is important to discuss even the little things before getting married, like how to divide the household chores, socialising with friends and drinking habits.

With the average wedding in 2012 costing over £20,000** and taking around 18 months*** to plan, it is clear that UK couples don’t spend anything like this planning for the following 50 years of marriage.

The study also revealed that your parents are the single biggest influence on your marriage – with two fifths saying they are/were a positive influence on their marriage and one fifth citing their parents as being a negative influence.

However, one in four people who had split from their partner said parents had a negative impact on their marriage.

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One in five divorcees listed work mates as a negative influence on their marriage while TV soaps and the example that celebrities set had a bad influence on married life for one in seven.

Christina Blacklaws, Director of Family Law at The Co-operative Legal Services, said: “When getting engaged, couples spend so much effort planning for the wedding day of their dreams that they lose sight of the next 50 years of married life. Sadly, this is the underlying reason for the majority of divorces, as couples with different ideas and expectations start to drift apart and no longer connect a few years down the track.

“It doesn’t have to be as formal as premarital counselling, but couples certainly stand a much better chance of a long and happy marriage if they spend time talking to each other about what they each want out of life and how they want to live their lives together before they get married.”

For further information on the family law services provided by The Co-operative Legal Services visit www.cooperative.coop/legalservices or call 0844 728 0173.

Additional Information: One Poll surveyed 2,000 married couples, including 800 divorcees, in January 2013.

**www.idealbridemagazine.co.uk/ features/2011-05-01-weddingbudget.php *** www.idealbridemagazine.co.uk/ features/2011-05-04-weddingplanning.php The Co-operative Legal Services (CLS) was established in 2006 and, in 2012, became the first major consumer brand to be granted Alternative Business Structure (ABS) status. This means it is now authorised to offer a range of legal services to the public that were previously only available through private solicitors. The change means that consumers now have greater choice and access to legal advice than they ever had before.

The Co-operative Legal Services is committed to offering straightforward, value-for-money services and prides itself on its range of legal services offered on a fixed fee basis, meaning customers know exactly what they will be paying from the very start of the process.

In September 2012, it launched a new family law arm of its business, offering a comprehensive range of family law services which includes divorce, child protection, mediation and financial issues. In addition, The Co-operative Legal Services provides the following services to consumers: - will writing, conveyancing, employment law, probate and personal injury.

* www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/vsob1/ divorces-in-england-and-wales/2011/ stb-divorces-2011.html

Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT us on Facebook coming soon!

Visit our new web-page at Like www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

â„– 21 | September 2013

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

The co-operative 43 Respect Magazine

â„– 21| September 2013

One minute ethics: Our environmental impact Welcome to the latest in a series of bite-sized infographics, designed to give you quick and easy insight into some of the ways we are helping to build a better society. This time we focus on our environmental impact. - See more at: http://www.co-operative.coop/corporate/ethics-and-sustainability/sustainabilityreport/one-minute-ethics/infographic-our-environmental-impact/#sthash.mK9gRncr.dpuf

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Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

Your development is important to us

№ 21 | September 2013

Featured over the next five pages: • A message of support from Executive Member Moira Lees, Group Secretary at The Co-operative.

• The Respect network is growing and we need your support - Steering Group vacancies.

• More about flexible working in The Co-operative.

• More about mentoring and how this could be good for you.

• Get more involved in community and charity work and make use of your two days off for volunteering each year.

Stonewall Leadership Programme 2013 – You have an opportunity to attend!

The Stonewall Leadership Programme takes place on 21-22 November 2013 at Ashridge Business School.

Year after year, 100% of delegates have rated the

programme excellent or very good overall and in 2012, 97% said they fully or mostly achieved what they had hoped from the programme.

The annual Stonewall Leadership Programme is the most prestigious leadership course for talented lesbian, gay and bisexual professionals in the UK. The programme provides a safe space for LGB professionals to explore the relationship between their sexual orientation and leadership performance in the workplace.

Does this opportunity appeal to you?

If you want to be considered for one of the limited spaces you need to complete the application process no later than 20 September.

If you are planning on submitting an application for a place on the programme please let us us know as The Co-operative will fund the place of one employee (cost of £1095), if successful. It should be linked to your Performance Development Plan. Get in touch with us if you have any questions or need any support.

Visit www.stonewall.org.uk/at_work/stonewall_leadership/ leadership_programme for more info and to apply.

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

The co-operative 45 Respect Magazine

№ 21| September 2013

The Respect network is growing.

Come and join our fantastic team of employee volunteers that make up the Respect Steering Group.

Here some of the Respect network Steering Group share their experience of being a part of the Respect team.

In my Respect role I work closely with lots of different LGBT charities and organisations. I wanted to get involved with the Respect Steering Group as I had been to a few of the Respect events and really enjoyed them and wanted to see more of what was going on. I feel very proud that I can been involved in making The Coop a great place for the LGBT community to work and spreading the word within our community that The Co-operative values people for who they are.

Anna Hanson Respect Community & Membership Liaison Officer Pharmacy Dispensing Technician

What’s in it for YOU? • Meet colleagues from other business areas and share your knowledge, skills and experience with each other.

• Influence business decisions and meet senior members of The Co-operative Executive and Board.

• Be the voice for colleagues throughout the business, ensuring we are working for them.

• Attend training courses and development events.

• Be a part of raising awareness of LGBT key dates and events to employees and customers through innovative events and initiatives.

• Work closely with The Co-operative Membership and other internal teams. Learn lots of new skills!

• And lots more. Everyone is welcome to join the team!

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I got involved in the Respect Steering Group as a Regional Champion at the end of 2010 as I noticed that the network was mainly Manchester based and I was passionate about starting to feed this out to the wider business. From then I progress to become Regional Co-ordinator and then after a restructure I'm now the Regional Officer.

I really enjoy the work that we all do as a team and the contributions that we make to both the group and the wider LGBT community. We all work really hard as a Steering Group to put events together and this teamwork and social aspect is also very rewarding.

My main achievement within the Network is organising our very first entry in a Scottish Pride parade. I am currently planning to relaunch the Regional Champions support pack (with a BANG) to help the Regional Champions within their regions.

If you are enthusiastic and are really passionate about LGBT issues, no matter what your background is, we need you to get involved - we can't continue the good work that we are doing without your support."

Stewart Livingstone Respect Regional Officer Learning & Development Manager - Castlewood CDC

We need you!

Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

â„– 21 | September 2013 regardless of their business area, role or location, and you will be responsible for working with the team of Communications Coordinators to deliver our communications strategy across a number of channels including our newsletter, the web, the Intranet, Twitter and Facebook and others you will develop.

Co-Chair (Female) The Respect network is growing rapidly, and this opportunity is a chance to be part of something exciting. This is a high profile role, as you will be working closely with senior leaders across our family of businesses as well as the wider community. Alongside the Group Diversity team, the Male Co-Chair and the General Secretary you will be responsible for shaping the Respect Network's strategy; working with members of the network steering group to make sure that we deliver this strategy in line with our timescales and act as an ambassador for everything Respect.

This role will build on your project management skills and knowledge of The Co-operative Group and offer great development and networking opportunities. It is a stretching role and you will need to be flexible and be able to commit to the goals you set; in return you will be able to grow and shape a vibrant and growing network, work with a fantastic team and make an impact to our members and our communities. If you are a motivated and driven individual looking for their next challenge we want you to get in touch.

Experience of creating and publishing engaging communications across a number of channels is desirable but not essential: if you are passionate about engaging with our members and growing our network, able to work to tight deadlines and can think outside the box, we'd like to hear from you.

imaginative and able to work to deadlines this could be the opportunity for you.

Events Coordinator (x2) Camping? Country Walks? Pride?

Conferences? Nights Out? An Award Ceremony? The Respect Network has done all of these things and we want to do even more. As one of our Event Coordinators you will be a vital part of the team responsible for planning, organising and delivering these events.

Some of the roles we have available. Get in touch with us for more info!

Events Officer The Respect network has a truly diverse mix of members, and we want to provide them with the opportunity to meet, network and socialise. The Events Officer will be responsible for working with the Events Coordinators to deliver our Events strategy, providing a variety of member and supporter events across the country including our involvement in Pride events.

You will need to be organised, flexible and able to work well as part of a team, and this role will enable you to meet people from across our business and beyond.

Colleague Development Coordinator (x2)

Communications Officer

We want The Co-operative to be a place where all of our colleagues can grow and develop, and in this key role you will be responsible for helping our members to do this. You will work closely with our HR teams and communications work-stream to make sure our members are aware of the policies and benefits that affect them; ensure that they are aware of the development tools available to them and provide the opportunity for our members to network and learn professionally.

You will also be responsible for developing and co-ordinating our mentoring scheme.

The Respect network has over 7,000 members and supporters based across the country, and our communications are vital for engaging and informing them - as well as spreading the word to new members! The role of Communications Officer is a key player in our plan to be able to effectively reach colleagues

If you are passionate about people and working for The Co-operative, this could be the role for you! If you are an organised, enthusiastic individual who can commit to helping our members grow and develop we would like to hear from you (some experience of coaching/ mentoring would be great, but it isn't essential!).

Experience of event planning and working to a budget is desirable, but not essential: if you are a born organiser with a passion for meeting people, motivated,

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

The co-operative 47 Respect Magazine

№ 21| September 2013

A personal message to all ‘Friends of Respect’ from Moira Lees, Group Secretary, The Co-operative Group “Over the past 12 months I have attended many events organised by our support groups.

I have been inspired by the commitment, drive and energy of these colleagues, who take these additional roles on, in a voluntary capacity.

I have been amazed at their innovation and creativity from “Checkout” to supporting “Equal Marriage”.

The recognition Respect members have achieved is well deserved, but also their ability to share their learning’s and good practice which should also be recognised”.

“People perform better when they can be themselves” Would you like some free time to volunteer?

Did you know last year 13,400 colleagues from across the family of businesses got involved with community activities in their local area? As a business we recognise the importance of harnessing the skills and expertise of our employees to directly support local communities. To assist employees taking part in volunteering, The Co-

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operative will provide up to two days paid time per year, pro-rata.

So, whether you give blood, read with primary school pupils, provide professional support for a local charity, have painted a community centre, or been involved in any other volunteering activity on behalf of The Co-operative Group during 2013, we would like to know about it.

To qualify for paid time off, the volunteering you undertake must compliment one of the Ethical Plan themes of Inspiring Young People or Keeping Communities Thriving.

Please contact the volunteering team to see if you are able to register with the programme in order to qualify for paid volunteering

time (this can only be taken for volunteering activities yet to take place). You will still need to seek your manager’s approval to take time out of the business. For more information please read the volunteering guidelines and FAQs. Any information you supply will be used to compile our overall contribution to the community and will be reported in the community section of the sustainability report.

Thank you for volunteering and making a vital contribution to The Co-operative’s community activities. If you would like to do more in 2013/14, contact the volunteering team to find out what’s on offer for individuals and teams – volunteer@co-operative.coop

Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

POLICY : POLICY : POLICY

№ 21 | September 2013

An introduction to flexible working at The Co-operative The Co-operative has the ambition to be the best consumer co-operative in the world. This means that we want our modern co-operative business to be successful in delivery, ethical in approach and a rewarding place for our people to work. We need to seize the possibilities that a more agile, performance-focused workforce would give us. Creating a great working environment for all of our people, giving them the flexibility to contribute to our business, will support our success.

‘Every employee at The Co-operative has the right to request to work flexibly’ It is very clear that when we get flexible working right, we can attract the very best people to come and work here and support our existing employees. Flexible working helps employees to balance their working life with their home and social commitments and supports the Group in creating an environment that allows all employees to contribute to the best of their ability.

Flexible working is often a misunderstood term.

Just to dispel a few myths – it does not just mean flexi-time, it is not just for women and it is not just available to those with childcare considerations.

Flexible working at The Co-operative is about allowing every employee to contribute to the success of our business and recognising that working in the office from 9 to 5 is not the work pattern which suits everyone.

If we apply a little flexibility to our working environment then we can accommodate our people’s needs and engage their talents.

Flexible working is about understanding that work is not a place people go to but a value they deliver. The focus needs to be placed on outputs and productivity, not hours logged at a desk.

Flexible working means that there is flexibility about the time and location of work; that just because someone isn’t in the office during normal working hours does not mean that they can’t make a valuable contribution to the business. At any given point in an individual’s career they may choose to work flexibly to accommodate their needs. At a later point, they may wish to change their arrangement and we can be flexible to accommodate that too.

‘Flexible working offers a way for everyone to make the most of their talent and experience’ You can find out more about this policy and all of our other policies on the Intranet - >HR and People >Diversity >Carers Information >Flexible Working Guide

Useful development tools at your fingertips The Co-operative Group Ashridge virtual learning centre contains everything from learning guides to book reviews, management pocket books and economic trend data.

Please visit the site as it’s a great reference point to assist your personal continuous professional development journey.

Site: www.ashridge.org.uk/ashridge/vlrc.nsf Login: cooperativegroup Password: coglogin If for what ever reason you can’t view this and you would like to, please let us know.

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

The co-operative 49 Respect Magazine

№ 21| September 2013

Mentoring at the Co-operative In the Co-operative mentoring is seen as a critical development activity and can provide enormous benefits to the mentor, mentee and the organisation.

Is mentoring right for you?

Mentoring is an option to consider if you have identified and agreed with your line manager some specific development needs as part of the performance management process that could be helped by a mentor who has the appropriate skills and experience to provide you with additional support.

Typically mentors can help by sharing their own experience and skills and offer: Support through change A sounding board and feedback Experience of different options / paths A safe place to try out new ideas or approaches to situations • Access to how the organisation works • • • •

Finding the right mentor We have a central database of internal managers who have been trained and are willing to act as mentors to help others in their development. If you think that getting a mentor might be the right option for you, consider and agree the specific areas you want help in with your line manager first. This means you can be matched with a mentor with the right skills and experience for you.

Becoming a mentor As a leader you might want to consider becoming a mentor yourself. Not only is this a great way of gaining fulfilment through helping others in the organisation but also a way of enhancing your own coaching and leadership skills. So it is a 2 way developmental relationship.

To find out more and for help in determining mentoring is the best option for you contact your local HR or Leadership Development Specialist. If you are not sure who this is, email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop and we will help you out.

JOB IN THE SPOTLIGHT

We have lots of lesbian, gay and bisexual mentors registered!

There are lots of job opportunities available to you at www.co-operative.jobs Role: Lead Executive Assistant Business: Co-operative Legal Services (CLS) Location: Manchester Salary: £21,613.00 - £27,016.00 PA Closing date: 19 Sep 2013 Hours per week: 37.50 Assignment: Permanent

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The co-operative Respect Magazine

Moving on up!

Most of the Respect network Steering have all been on the mentoring training course. if you would like to be put in touch with a lesbian, gay or

bisexual mentor, please get in touch with us.

We couldn’t recommend the course enough and if you like the sound of it, why not speak to your manager.

Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT

№ 21 | September 2013

In the next issue of Respect we bring you our final Pride features of the year. We have been ‘Making history with Pride’ all Summer!

We also have a special ‘Back to the 90s’ feature with interviews with chart toppers ‘911’, ‘Atomic Kitten’, ‘The Honeyz’, ‘Cleo Higgins of Cleopatra’ and some extra special surprises!

Colleague Support In your workplace

If you are able to speak to your line manager, that would be the preferred route (unless of course your line manager is the issue).

Alternatively, you can speak to your HR manager if this is preferable.

Respect

You can also contact the Respect network for confidential support and guidance.

The Employee Engagement & Diversity Team

The team can offer advice about specific matters relating to issues in the workplace and point you in the right direction. You can contact them by email at inclusive.teams@cooperative.coop or call 0161 246 2646.

Employee Assistance Programme Validium

You can contact and talk in confidence with one of Validium’s professional counsellors or specialists 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on: UK Landline: 0800 970 1030 - Mobile: 0330 332 9996 For online support join vClub at validium.com Username: Coop Password: Group1844

Speak Up

We have a whistle-blowing hotline called ‘Speak Up’. You can call free on 0800 374199. Calls are handled by an external provider.

Callers can remain anonymous and untraceable.

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect

It’s ‘National Coming Out Day’ on 11 October. More in the next issue of Respect!

Do you need some support?

Here’s where to go…

The co-operative 51 Respect Magazine

№ 21| September 2013

This magazine has been produced by The Co-operative Group’s inclusive lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employee network ‘Respect’.

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The co-operative Respect Magazine

Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Visit our new web-page at www.co-operative.coop/respectLGBT