Unilever is a fantastic organisation with incredibly strong values and commitments towards inclusion. The rapidly expanding proUd network with over 1000 members and counting, ensures LGBTQ+ colleagues are supported and others around the business understand LGBTQ+ issues. Unilever continue to work with external partners such as Stonewall or Open for Business, to ensure there is constant improvement on the inclusion journey. There is always more that could be done to further the inclusion journey within organisations and I am proud that Unilever without fail listen intently to colleagues and welcome change or opportunities to improve with open arms.
Since joining Unilever in 2019 I have truly seen the commitment of the company to continue to strive in its commitments to Diversity & Inclusion. The proUd network welcomed me very quickly & I have been able to get involved in supporting the UK & Ireland network which has been an incredible experience. As well as partnering with other LGBTQ+ charities, Unilever has consistently ran events such as educational lunch & learn sessions to continue to educate & raise awareness as well. A highlight for me has been raising money for the National Aids Trust as part of the Red Run with fellow Unilever employees!
I’ve worked at Unilever for over 10 years and love the commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion; particularly the authentic way in which senior leaders show genuine support and allyship. I’m a safety scientist working at our Colworth site in Bedfordshire (home of the Magnum, Cornetto and Viennetta ice cream!) where I run our local proUd group. It's great to have a friends and allies locally, but it’s even more rewarding to be part of the wider Unilever proUd network, getting to know Unilever colleagues from all over the UK, as well as our sites around the world.
The proUd network has collaborated with some inspirational speakers to create some awesome learning opportunities, both within the network and for all employees. It fills me with pride when I see our purposeful brands making a stand for LGBTQI+ rights.
Since joining Unilever last year it has been amazing to see the commitment that the company has to equity, diversity and inclusion, from both the ED&I team but also the various employee networks - including the proUd network, for the LGBTQ+ community. This network works to educate employees on the issues that the LGBTQ+ network face and are always striving to make sure that the company is an inclusive place to work for all, whether this is through running workshops, inviting guest speakers for lunch and learn sessions or working with our brands to make a stand. It is also extremely refreshing they whilst lot of incredible work has been done, Unilever recognises that there is still a long way to go and is ready for this journey.
I joined Unilever in Sydney Australia, almost 4yrs ago and relocated to the UK in 2019 where I joined our Global Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Team. I feel privileged to be in the role I am where I am responsible for LGBTQI+ inclusion global strategy. Unilever has had a long-standing commitment to ED&I, originally focused on female representation in leadership but then evolving their focus to other underrepresented groups such as people with disabilities, race & ethnicity and the LGBTQI+ community.
The authenticity of the commitment to ED&I from the leadership team is inspiring. We have done some great work, but we also know we have a long way to go to ensure we have diverse representation (from a variety of identity groups), and inclusive culture and equitable systems and processes.
Our LGBTQI+ employee resource group is call proUd and globally we have grown this to over 1000 people and launched local chapters around the world even in more challenging markets such as Singapore & Russia. We want to create a “safe space” where our LGBTQI+ employees and their allies feel safe, supported and able to be their authentic selves. I see this network grow daily and networking with each other to deliver great events and share ideas on how to be more inclusive.
It’s a cheesy phrase but we are so proUd of everyone’s commitment and passion!
I have been in Unilever for a few months now, and I am so proud to be working for a company with such strong values for equality, diversity and inclusion. In particular, the proUd network does an amazing job ensuring members of the LGBTQ+ community feel welcome and supported at Unilever :)
Although I haven't worked for Unilever for very long, it is clear to see the commitment this organisation has to equality, diversity and inclusion. The proUd network work tirelessly to ensure Unilever is an inclusive and supportive workplace. Whilst there is still work to be done, I feel very proud to work for a company that seeks to educate, strive to be better and, above all else, ensure it is a welcoming workplace.
