Did you know the Vale of Glamorgan Council has a LGBTQI+ Network?

As a Vale of Glamorgan Council employee, you could join GLAM, our LGBTQI+ Network.

GLAM is a staff network of LGBTQI+ colleagues and allies that:

• works to have a positive impact for LGBTQI+ colleagues in the workplace;

• raises overall awareness and visibility of its work; and

• provides a social and supportive environment

Tom Narbrough, Chairperson for the GLAM Network commented on our progress in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index:

I would like to extend a very big thank you to our colleagues and allies across the Vale. Each year we encourage staff to complete the Stonewall survey as part of our submission for the Workplace Equality Index. We always get a good level of input and we were grateful to see that trend continue. The process for last year’s entry was slightly different as new Bronze, Silver and Gold awards were introduced.

 

We received our feedback earlier in the year and I am pleased to announce that, having gradually increased our score over time under the previous system, we scored a very promising Silver Award (63.5%) for the 2021 index. The thresholds were; 24% for Bronze, 43% for Silver and 72% for Gold. It is pleasing to note that we were almost 40% clear of the bronze award and not far from the gold level. Our specific feedback was also very encouraging, with many areas where we believe we could have picked up extra scores.

 

We fully intend to take advantage of that in this year’s submission. Our consistent progress through the years has helped highlight us as a Council that embraces diversity and inclusion and one that works hard to address any issues for the benefit of all staff groups. I am proud to disclose these results as the chair of the GLAM network and look forward to seeing a glint of gold in our future as we start the collection process for this year’s index!

GLAM are always looking for new members and opportunities to increase visibility. One of our members had some wonderful words to say about their own experience with GLAM and in celebrating Bisexual Visibility.

I had never really felt truly included within the mainstream LGBT+ community as, like many bisexuals, I didn’t feel like my identity counted. GLAM has helped me to feel that my identity is valid and that I’m part of a community. I’ve been a member of GLAM since it started as I wanted to meet other LGBT+ colleagues and allies and to discuss the issues impacting LGBT+ groups. I’ve learnt a lot about LGBT+ history, the challenges which have been overcome, and ways to address the issues which persist. I hope that the GLAM network continues to strengthen and reaches more colleagues.

The network is one of many benefits and support that you will receive when joining the Vale of Glamorgan Council.