Since 2013 the OUTstanding lists, presented by the FT, have celebrated LGBT executives and allies who are not only successful in their careers, but are also creating supportive workplaces for other LGBT people. The 2017 role models have all been nominated by peers and colleagues.
In addition to his work at Reed Smith, Daniel is founder and chair of the InterLaw Diversity Forum (now in its tenth year), which has more than 3,000 members and supporters from over 70 law firms and 45 corporates and financial institutions. Since its founding it has expanded its scope to encompass all strands of diversity and inclusion (including social mobility), with a particular focus on cultural change in the workplace and 'multiple identities'/intersectionality. It holds monthly meetings for its LGBT and BAME Networks, and is launching its mentoring programme, InterLawConnect, this November. The Apollo Project, also created by Daniel with the Financial Times and supported by General Electric, National Grid and others, holds an annual competition recognising best practice for inclusive workplace cultures, and provides these as a free resource for other organisations. Its Purple Reign art project celebrating LGBT+ and ally role models recently collaborated with JP Morgan and the City of London. Daniel additionally works as a D&I consultant and has advised many London organisations to help tailor their D&I programmes. Daniel is the British LGBT Awards Head Judge and a patron of the Albert Kennedy Trust.
Jonathan is an active member of PRISM, Reed Smith’s LGBT network, and has worked closely with previous co-chairs to increase understanding of bisexuality within the firm and at client events. He spoke at the DiversCity conference in 2016, helping potential LGBT+ employees understand the support on offer, as well as at the LGBT+ Leaders Conference 2016, aimed at LGBT+ graduates and applicants, about disability and LGBT+. Jonathan co-founded the London Bisexual Network, which works across various professions to raise awareness of bisexuality and bi-specific issues. He works closely with Stonewall and Diversity Role Models, having volunteered his time speaking to schoolchildren about the importance of LGBT+ acceptance. Being bisexual, disabled, and having experience of social mobility, Jonathan is a passionate advocate for intersectionality. He is a trustee of Ambitious about Autism, serves on the Westminster Autism Commission, is a Law Society Equality Board member, and serves as Mind’s Equality Improvement Champion.
As Suki Sandhu, Founder & CEO at OUTstanding explains, “These lists exist to challenge the assumption you cannot be out and successful in business, and to highlight the importance of role models in inspiring the next generation of business leaders. By recognising and celebrating those who are leading the charge, the lists demonstrate how far the quest for workplace equality has come. But there is always more to be done. Big business and the public sector have the power and influence to promote LGBT+ inclusion more widely, paving the way for real societal change around the world”.
The FT is one of the world’s leading business news and information organisations. OUTstanding is a professional membership organisation for global businesses who work directly with LGBT+ and ally leaders to promote inclusion in the workplace.
For more information on the leading LGBT+ Executives list and the accompanying FT global report please visit ft.com.
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About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a global law firm with more than 1,700 lawyers in 27 offices across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the United States.
The firm’s five main industry sectors are financial services, energy and natural resources, entertainment and media, shipping and life sciences.
For further information, please visit www.reedsmith.com or contact April French (PR manager) on +44 (0)20 3116 2557.
