ICAEW celebrates Pride 2020

June is Pride month around the world. ICAEW is committed to LGBT+ visibility and inclusivity, particularly during these uncertain times in which many are feeling isolated and vulnerable. Now, more than ever, unity is crucial.

While Pride is a celebration of the hurdles that have been overcome, it is also a reminder that there is still much work to be done.

The global imperative

ICAEW CEO, Michael Izza, wrote of current global obstacles to equality during LGBT+ history month in February:

“There is still a great deal of work to be done. Homosexuality remains illegal in around 70 countries, and we have staff at ICAEW who have been very candid about their personal experiences – including the need to remove their wedding rings in certain countries and still feeling obliged to lie about their home lives in some social situations.”

Michael Izza’s full February statement can be found here.

His comments on Pride can be found here.

ICAEW and Pride 2020

Every year during Pride month, ICAEW flies the Pride flag outside Chartered Accountants’ Hall. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are flying it virtually on our homepage at icaew.com. The symbol is vital for visibility and signalling the organisation’s commitment to inclusive workplaces. There is also a wider promise to represent and empower all our stakeholders so they can be their true, authentic selves.

ICAEW has an active LGBT+ employee network called Together, which works to create an open, progressive and informed working environment to support our employees and stakeholders. We benchmark ourselves in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index each year and run training and regular forums to drive forward initiatives. In February we profiled LGBT+ members, stakeholders and staff in a social media campaign.

The Pride in London theme this year is #YouMeUsWe to recognise unity within the LGBT+ community. This theme also applies to those important allies standing alongside their LGBT+ colleagues, family and friends. For further ways to get involved with Pride events in London please see the Pride in lockdown hub. And do check out the Global Pride website for celebrations and representations around the world.

Prior to COVID-19, ICAEW’s Together network had planned to join the Pride in London parade in June to show our commitment to diversity in the accounting profession. Sadly, that is now not taking place, but we will mark the occasion by holding a virtual Pride celebration for employees including discussions, poetry and cocktails!

Our ongoing commitment to LGBT+ inclusivity

In Michael Izza’s words:

“As we rebuild the global economy, we must remember that strong economies are rooted in inclusive, responsible and sustainable behaviours. That means enabling everybody to be their true, authentic selves - in their communities and their workplaces.”