Meet Your New GLAM Chair Lee Boyland

02 November 2023

GLAM is the network of LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies that work to have a positive impact for LGBTQ+ colleagues in the workplace. Their culture of openness and inclusivity provides staff with a safe space where they can be themselves without fear of judgement.

Earlier this year Lee Boyland, who joined the Vale last year as a Coordinator within the Communities for Work Plus team, was appointed the new Chair of GLAM. For Lee, having access to a LGBTQ+ staff network was an important factor when applying for a position in the Vale.

“I’ve witnessed such a positive change moving from the private sector to the Council. Not only is there a better support system and more partnership working in my day-to-day role but coming in and being able to work with GLAM has been such a positive experience.

“In previous roles, there was no such thing as a staff network, especially for LGBTQ+ colleagues. I did sort of float the idea of trying to start one within my last role, but with our work being so target-driven there just wasn’t enough resources to get something like that set up.

“When I was looking to change employment, one of the biggest factors for me was finding a work environment that had that kind of support network. It was definitely a pull for me when applying for positions, and one of the reasons why I went for the position with the Vale was because of GLAM.

“I think I sent a membership request more or less within the first month of me working at the Council. So far, it has been such a rewarding experience. The people I’ve met through GLAM and the conversations I’ve had with senior management has made such a positive difference to my professional life – it’s a very welcoming organisation.”

Knowing that there was a staff network in place to support Lee in work is one of the reasons why he recognises their significance to staff overall.

“It’s so important to have staff networks. Whether you’re a trans individual, gay, bisexual, or even and ally, it gives individuals who join these networks a chance to air their views, seek support, and have people to turn to when there’s an issue.

“Speaking from personal experience, the individuals who join the staff networks have experienced potentially some difficult times within their lives – having support from others who may be going through or have dealt with similar difficulties is really important.

“The gay community may have come on leaps and bounds, and there has been a real positive shift in the attitudes towards gay men and women over the years, but there are still pockets of homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia.

“Currently, the trans community are under attack. Hateful comments and negativity from the media and press are leaking into our society. As a gay man, for me, it’s about protecting and being an ally for the trans community now and supporting them through this difficult time.”

Though one of GLAM’s primary functions is to serve as a support hub for LGBTQ+ staff, they have a wider significance in terms of bringing LGBTQ+ issues to the attention of their colleagues.

“As well as operating as a support network, GLAM is an important knowledge base to staff across the Council when it comes to LGBTQ+ for up-to-date information about changes and issues within the community.

“When I came out at 18, I had never heard of anyone being non-binary or the use of pronouns – that’s only really come about within the last five years or so. GLAM plays such an important role in educating individuals - even gay and bisexual people - about the community as it evolves. Especially within organisations like ourselves, we need to ensure that people 

understand the changes in the community and what challenges LGBTQ+ people face.

“We support but we also advise. An important part of our work is the advice we provide to HR on making positive changes to policies and the environment that people work in. We’re here to help. For instance, if a manager has an individual on their team who comes out as non-binary, we provide guidance and support to that manager on how they can adapt to that and ensure that the individual is not only accepted but supported.”

For Lee, the Council’s solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community has been a first for him professionally.

“GLAM exists to create a more inclusive working environment for individuals, for people to not have to worry about who they are between 9-5, Monday to Friday. It is so refreshing work for an organisation that not only supports LGBTQ+ individuals but one that takes action for them too.

“I cannot fault the Chief Executive or any of the Senior Leadership Team on how receptive they have been to GLAM. Earlier this year, myself and Carl were invited to deliver some our ideas to SLT – everyone was so supportive of the actions we’re looking to take. I’ve never really worked for an organisation that has been so inclusive or forward thinking in terms of how they can support the LGBTQ+ Community.

“We have recently updated our Staffnet page with new resources and materials which includes a brand-new Allyship Pack. We’ve put together this resource for the allies that we work with or the individuals that potentially want to be an ally within GLAM on the meaning and importance behind allyship and what it takes to be an ally.

“Our page also features an ask us anything form, where individuals can ask us anonymous questions that will come directly to myself or Carl (Vice Chair of GLAM).”

As GLAM looks to the future, their work will involve increased collaborative working with the Diverse Staff Network and the Disability Network.

“Right now, with the Equalities Team we’re discussing the importance of intersectionality. It’s important as a Council that we look at how the three networks work collaboratively to ensure that individuals who cross all three marginal groups have the support they need.”

GLAM is open to everyone. More information about GLAM, including a membership form, can be found on their Staffnet page.