Celebrating the value in difference

On Saturday 25 May, Wood will be supporting this year’s Grampian Pride parade in Aberdeen in the UK, kicking off our Pride calendar of events for 2019.  Sue Macdonald, Wood’s Executive President – P&O and executive sponsor of our Pride network explains why she is passionate about the team.

Sue Macdonald, Executive President – P&O

“We have over 200 members in our Pride network which aims to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender + (LGBT+) equality and inclusion in the workplace. Established in 2015, the network encourages respect, equality and inclusion for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation gender identity or gender expression.  It is an employee initiated and led, network for our LGBT+ employees, as well as their friends, supporters and allies”, says Sue.

“I’m delighted to be the executive sponsor of Pride as I’m passionate about creating a more diverse workforce and inclusive environment, particularly for the LGBT+ community.  I’ve worked in the industry for over thirty years and in that time, we’ve seen some progress with LGBT+ rights and inclusion, but there is still a long way to go.  No one should wonder if someone will make a joke about their sexuality.  Or wonder if they are safe. But this is still the case for many of the LGBT+ community.  And that’s what needs to change.

Walking as Wood

“Pride has already achieved a lot and we are committed to build on this success and continue to create a great working environment where everyone can be themselves and achieve their full potential, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.  We want our employees to feel comfortable to bring their whole self to work and ensure we all have a safe space to do this.  We are all at our best in an environment that values and respects us for who we are, and our Pride network is one way we can help achieve this.

“Grampian Pride kicks off our participation sand support of Pride parades throughout the globe in 2019 with future events planned for St John’s, London, Houston and Manchester.  Getting involved in these events helps to raise our profile as an employer committed to diversity and inclusion, enables our people to stand together and connect, and celebrate with the wider LGBT+ community.  They are also a great opportunity to celebrate the value in difference of all our people in a positive, fun environment with family, friends and allies.”

Taking pride in our people in 2019

Wood will be walking in the following Pride events in 2019.

• Grampian Pride: Saturday 25 May
• Fort St John Pride British Columbia, 1 June
• Pride in London, 7 July
• Houston Pride, 22 July
• Manchester Pride, 24 August

For more information on Wood’s Pride network or our 2019 activities, email: pridenetwork@woodplc.com.