A pair of Manchester based business leaders have been recognised for their contribution to the LGBT community in the OUTstanding list.
Sharon Thorne and Matt Batham, two Deloitte partners, have been acknowledged for their contribution to LGBT diversity and inclusion, beating thousands of other applicants.
Sharon Thorne, managing partner for regional markets, was ranked 14th in the Top 20 Allies list, which features those business leaders who do not identify as LGBT, but have been successful champions of inclusion for LGBT people.
Sharon said: “I’ve always been proud of my support for our diversity network GLOBE and I am delighted to be recognised in this list.
“Promoting inclusion is the responsibility of everyone in the workplace, not just those who themselves identify as part of a particular minority group.
“Becoming an ally of a diversity network is a great way to demonstrate leadership on this, and it is an experience I’d recommend to anyone.”
Sharon has been a tireless supporter of GLOBE, Deloitte’s diversity network for LGBT people, since she established all of the company’s diversity networks in 2007 and now acts as its executive sponsor.
Through her dedication, the group continues to expand and there are currently 260 people in the network.
Sharon has also become known outside the firm as an advocate for LGBT issues in the workplace, both in her role on the board of the Confederation of British Industry and through her speaking engagements at conferences and events.
Another member of GLOBE making the grade is Matt Batham, a member of Deloitte’s tax leadership, who was chosen for the Top 100 LGBT Business Leaders list and was ranked in 68th place.
Matt has long been an LGBT role model at Deloitte and has acted as a mentor to many within the company.
He has recently become involved in a number of initiatives for LGBT parents, sharing his own experiences as the father of two young children at a Deloitte event hosted in conjunction with BP.
He also opened the launch event of a new City of London support network for LGBT parents.
Matt said: “In a business so dependent on the calibre of its people, encouraging diversity is an essential element for success. Our recognition is an indicator that Deloitte continues to lead the way in this regard.”
The OUTstanding lists seek to identify the UK business leaders who have made a significant impact in effecting positive change for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the workplace.
The nominees were judged on a range of criteria including leadership, acting as a role model, challenging stereotypes, and overall contribution to diversity.
OUTstanding founder, Suki Sandhu, concludes: “Our Top 100 list is bigger and better than before and yet again proves you can succeed professionally when you are authentic at work.
“Self-disclosure is best for employees and for the businesses that support them. Our hope is this list will inspire others to embrace who they are, paving the way for change in the corporate world and society as a whole.”
