At a time when social division is rife and getting worse, Ofcom’s split with a key Stonewall programme seems like a decision that moves away from empathy and inclusion
Stonewall and the LGBTQ+ community in the UK have been dealt another perceived blow with Ofcom’s decision to withdraw from its Diversity Champions programme.
Why have Ofcom decided to revoke their participation in this scheme? Their public stance on it is that they believe that it will make the organisation biased.
While we at Outvertising respect Ofcom’s desire and need to be impartial, we are inclined to feel disappointed by the decision to no longer be involved in a programme described by Stonewall as “the leading employers’ programme for ensuring all LGBTQ+ staff are free to be themselves in the workplace”.
We are also disappointed by the public statement announcing it.
As a regulator, Ofcom has a responsibility to regulate on behalf of the whole of the UK, including the LGBTQ+ community.
While the media industry has moved in leaps and bounds in recent years, LGBTQ+ people still suffer from discrimination both in their portrayal and within the workplace.
Over a third (35%) of LGBTQ+ workers aged 18– 24 disguised their sexuality at work in the year after the LGBT In Britain, Work Report was published because they were afraid of discrimination.
This move by Ofcom has made the industry a potentially less appealing place to work for the LGBTQ+ community. At a time when social division is rife and getting worse, it seems like a decision that moves away from empathy and inclusion.
I have to hope that in time they see the business sense of building and being a welcoming and inclusive workplace. Every organisation is more effective for it.
Because Ofcom has stated that it’s committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion, we look forward to seeing it continue to deliver that. We would love to engage in conversation with Ofcom, to understand what their commitment to being at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights looks like, and how we at Outvertising, can help.
On the decision, a Stonewall spokesperson said: “We respect Ofcom’s decision and will continue to work with them in their role as the UK’s communication regulator.
“It is sad, however, that involvement in a programme that supports an inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ employees should be in any way regarded as an unimpartial act.
“As with every membership programme, organisations come and go depending on what works best for their inclusion journey at the time, and we’re very proud of the work we’ve done with Ofcom and wish them the best in their ongoing efforts to support all of their LGBTQ+ employees.”
Stonewall’s statement on Ofcom’s decision is dignified, but from my perspective, one tinged with regret, from an organisation that has had more than its fair share of difficult moments in recent times.
Lucy McKillop is joint CEO of Outvertising, the not-for-profit LGBTQ+ advertising and marketing, advocacy group
