LGBT+ inclusion is a priority at Sky, and I am very proud to be the sponsor for the LGBT+ network at Sky Ireland.

It’s really important that as leaders we engage with our colleagues across all areas of the business so that we can listen and learn from their experiences and, in turn, use that education and awareness to take steps to make Sky a better place to work for all our employees.

For me, it’s not about ticking a box, or attending a march once a year (although I do really love Dublin Pride!). We need true engagement all year round in order to ensure that Sky continues to be an inclusive workplace for all. The LGBT+ network is a very important facilitator of this engagement and provides lots of listening and learning opportunities throughout the year by hosting a wide range of events such as open table discussions on important topics, inviting in speakers from external organisations to learn more about the local community outside Sky, screenings of LGBT+ films/documentaries/programming, marking international days of recognition and celebration, and producing guidance and other educational materials.

We truly want Sky to be somewhere where people can bring their authentic selves to work, feel safe and supported, and be at their best. As well as being the right thing to do, diversity of views and an inclusive culture also happens to be very good for business.

Things have come a long way in our society, and we have come a long way as a company since the LGBT+ network was first established 10 years ago but we are not there yet. We will continue to strive to do better and to believe in better…