Spire Healthcare’s LGBTQ+ Colleague Network recognised at Metro Pride Awards
Spire Healthcare’s LGBTQ+ Colleague Network has been highly commended at this year’s Metro Pride Awards in London.
This recognition is testament not only to Spire’s dedication and focus to be an inclusive employer, but supports our Purpose of delivering outstanding personalised care. By ensuring equality for Spire LGBTQ+ colleagues, we are better positioned to deliver outstanding personalised care to LGBTQ+ patients.
The Metro Pride Awards recognise LGBTQ+ individuals as well as brands and organisations with a proven track record of promoting equality, diversity, and LGBTQ+ rights within their sectors.
Spire Healthcare’s LGBTQ+ Colleague Network was established during the pandemic, with its first online event in December 2020. Comparing that first video call when most participants were not comfortable being on camera and hesitant to speak, the network now comprises confident, empowered, trained LGBTQ+ network champions supporting colleagues and patients and making a visible difference.
The growth of Spire’s colleague network to 100 members with 50+ champions across 40 hospital and administrative sites has been driven by its voluntary chairs, and the energy and enthusiasm of network members to promote LGBTQ+ and allyship.
Almost all of our 38 hospitals have a trained LGBTQ+ network champion. During 2024 our first network fundraiser raised over £5,000 for Galop, the LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity, and we reached more than 132,000 people through regular posts on Spire’s corporate social media accounts.
An executive committee that champions the network’s cause, and director sponsorship by Spire’s CEO has provided critical endorsement for the network and makes a positive impactful in the continuing developing of Spire’s inclusive culture. Their time and commitment in supporting LGBTQ+ Lunch & Learns, asking questions, listening, and proudly wearing Spire’s LGBTQ+ pin badge has created an open and supportive environment.
Nothing could have been achieved without Spire’s voluntary LGBTQ+ network champions. Meeting regularly with hospital directors and HR partners across the business, they have improved awareness and empathy for LGBTQ+ colleagues and patients. Network champions are interviewed before being appointed, receive formal training and regular supervision, and perform to a clear job description. Colleagues approach our network champions for advice on LGBTQ+ family issues and are signposted to further help.
The dual impact of our network champions’ and supportive senior figures in clinical sites has created allyship and a sea change in our culture.
Champions’ voices
- “Spire’s network lets us feel included and comfortable with who we are”
- “There are countless positive aspects the network has had for me; it has helped shape who I am and I interact more confidently with people”
- “Events like the fundraising bake sale, encouraged people to want to know more about LGBTQ+ issues”
- “Being a champion allows people to open up in a safe space where they do not feel judged. It also helps those who aren’t as knowledgeable to learn. Alongside the deeper, meaningful value, it brings a little joy and colour to stressful days”
Patients’ voices
- “It was truly a kind and compassionate culture”
- “I felt I was being treated the way we all like to be treated. I felt listened to and understood”
- “A credit to all of you for installing such a good culture”
Hilary Keane, Spire’s Chair for Spire Healthcare’s LGBTQ+ Let’s Talk Network said: “LGBTQ+ is 365 days of the year for us, not just an awareness month. We are proud to have developed a vibrant community of members, colleagues, friends and allies and are also supporting our patients. Success to us is colleagues and patients being their authentic selves – and it’s this change in culture that we feel most proud of.”
