The network’s mission is to advance the safety, equality and wellbeing of the LGBT+ community across the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group and to support people who are in a minority sexual orientation or gender identity.
Recent times have understandably taken their toll on all of us in different ways. So the help and support of our family, friends, work colleagues and other organisations is particularly important right now.
This Sunday is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) with the theme ‘Breaking the Silence’.
We are marking the day by raising visibility and awareness, while encouraging people to join our LGBT+ Group Network. We want to ensure that we can all be ourselves at home and at work, while also enjoying the strong support being part of a network can bring – as well as the positive mental health benefits.
Membership of the network is open to both members and allies of the LGBT+ community. As a member you will be invited to attend various events throughout the year, with access to research publications, workshops, webinars and opportunities to build your network and friendships across the group.
Ryan Maxwell, PA to the Group Chief Financial Officer and Lucie Brown, Communications Assistant, are joint chairs of the steering group.
Ryan said:
Our One NDA vision states that we are ‘creating great places to work and taking pride in what we do’, so help us to continue creating a safe and inclusive place to work – while taking pride in how we do it. Everyone deserves to feel safe and accepted for who they are – both in and out of the workplace – regardless of our individual differences.
Craig Calvin, one of the co-chairs of the Sellafield Ltd network said:
Our aim is to support and make sure all LGBT+ workers are comfortable, included, valued and have the opportunity to thrive within our business.
Statistics show businesses with a diverse workforce that are valued are more successful, so we want to do our bit to help this through our growing network. I’d encourage any Sellafield Ltd employees who are interested in joining to get in touch.
Ross Gardner, Sellafield Ltd network member said:
It’s great to finally see and be involved in the launch of both the Sellafield Ltd and One NDA LGBT+ networks. Both networks have a part to play in helping us drive closer to becoming a more inclusive and open-minded work place, not only for our current employees, but also for our future workforce.
Everyone deserves to work in an environment in which they feel respected and valued, no matter what their differences.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the network and would like to find out more, please email: onelgbt@sellafieldsites.com.
The introduction of One NDA has helped all businesses across the group to think and act collaboratively. We have made some real progress in transforming how we manage some of our businesses, and it’s essential that our thinking should also continue to transform.
There are a number of resources that are available if you need some support or just need someone to talk to:
LGBT Switchboard and Helpline can be contacted for any reason, such as confidential support or just for someone to talk to when self-isolating.
Rethink are a mental health support organisation who have a phone line, email address and online communication service for anyone that needs advice or support, and they have some great informative resources online too.
Mind is another mental health charity who have specific LGBT+ support services which can be found here.
Mind Out are an LGBT+ specific mental health service and they have an online messaging service for urgent support, as well as an open email for any advice or information.
