Reach plc's Dr Julie Humphreys Reflects On 2021’s ‘Proudest D&I Moments' And Plans For 2022

Reach plc’s Group Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Dr Julie Humphreys, highlights the company’s ‘proudest' diversity and inclusion (D&I) moments of 2021 and outlines the top goals for 2022.

Hi Julie, what have been your main achievements in 2021 in terms of D&I strategy, diverse recruitment or LGBTQ+ network activities? 

It was the formal creation of ReachOut, our LGBTQ+ network which gave a safe space for all LGBT colleagues to come together if they wanted to. In terms of proud moments it was the creation of the Out Crowd podcast, collaborating with THT for World Aids Day and the It's a Sin panel event with Michael Mather. 

What is your advice to an organization wanting to start their journey towards LGBTQ+ Inclusion? 

Be cautious but also be bold. Some people might not be ready to be part of a network but will be comforted knowing it's there. 

What’s one thing you’ve learnt from last year that will help you on your D&I journey this year? 

Data is essential in what we do - it gives us a mandate and following our data collection campaign this year we now know that 5% of our colleagues identify LGBTQ+. 

How have your goals changed from this time last year? 

This time last year it was the beginning of the journey, creating governance and setting up for success and now it's about the next step and moving through the journey. 

What was your proudest moment of 2021? 

During the Olympics, when I worked with myGwork's Co-founder Pierre Gaubert to get the GB Hockey team a rainbow armband [as reported in The Mirror].

2021 was a year of unexpected challenges (to say the least), what lessons did you learn from it? 

Resilience – this means different things to different people and as we move more toward home working we need to remain vigilant that we are including everyone. 

What are you most excited for this year? 

Our new Leaders' program focused on informal learning around topics like: Imposter Syndrome, Active Allyship and Courageous Conversations. We will also be shining a light on social economic background as a demographic, as this was an important part of our data collection campaign.

What are your top tips for an LGBTQ+ network wanting to grow this year? 

Panel events are important and great engagement but effecting internal policy and process change is just as important.