LGBTQ+ Network
Our LGBTQ+ network aims to build and maintain an environment within OC&C in which all individuals feel able to bring their whole self to work and feel empowered to succeed, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
We do this by creating a space for people to express and discuss their LGBTQ+ identities through a range of social forums, both internally and with other consultancies; panel and speaker events to raise awareness and educate the firm around LGBTQ+ issues and identities; and informal mentoring mechanisms within our network. We also work with our HR team to ensure that the needs of LGBTQ+ employees are addressed throughout the employee lifecycle.
All members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies are welcome, including bisexual people, LGBTQ+ people of colour or of faith, trans and non-binary people, and we work actively to support their inclusion in the network and in the firm. All employees are warmly encouraged to participate - both LGBTQ+ people and allies, in all of OC&C's offices.
We appreciate that there is a huge opportunity to go further and contribute to LGBTQ+ communities beyond our own offices. We are very pleased to be working in partnership with two charities: Just Like Us and SpeakOut Boston. Just Like Us is a UK-based charity which works with schools to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and tackle homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. SpeakOut Boston is the USA’s oldest LGBTQ+ speaker’s bureau which uses the power of storytelling to help people understand and challenge homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in schools, workplaces and faith groups. OC&C is proud to be a founding member of their Sponsorship Circle. We offer both financial and in-kind support to these organisations through training their volunteers and offering strategic advice on a pro bono basis.
We were also delighted to be named one of Stonewall's Top 100 LGBTQ+ inclusive employers in the UK in 2023, and to be given a gold award. We have been part of Stonewall's Diversity Champions programme for several years and are pleased that the work we have done to build a more LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace has been recognised.
If you have any questions about the LGBTQ+ network please get in touch at:
"It’s fantastic to work in an environment where I feel so welcome as a queer woman because it allows me to flourish and be the best that I can be," Chessy, Associate Partner
Michael, Senior Advisor
"As the former Worldwide Managing Partner of OC&C, I have always aspired for this firm to be a place where people can be the best version of themselves. From my own experience of being gay, I know that you perform at your peak when you can be open and relaxed about who you are. Our LGBT network celebrates the diversity of all the people who make OC&C special.”
Chessy, Associate Partner
“The presence of the LGBT network, its members and the support it receives from the whole firm have all confirmed for me that OC&C is committed to developing and nurturing all of its employees, both professionally and personally, regardless of their gender or sexuality. It’s fantastic to work in an environment where I feel so welcome as a queer woman because it allows me to flourish and be the best that I can be.”
Tom, Global Director of Business Operations
“Helping to setup the LGBT network has been one of the most enjoyable things I’ve done since joining the firm. The buy in and commitment to making it work throughout the organization has been great to see, and ensures that people feel comfortable being open about their sexuality and gender identity in the office from the moment of joining. In addition our partnership with Just Like Us allows us to support the next generation of LGBT leaders, something that’s been very rewarding to get involved with.”
Duncan, Associate Partner
“Something that really stands out for me about OC&C is one’s freedom to get involved in shaping how the firm to develops, in numerous ways. It’s been a real pleasure to play a part in building and growing the LGBT network, and the engagement with the network across all levels of the firm proves how committed OC&C is to nurturing an inclusive and comfortable environment for all employees.”
Alex, Controller & Head of UK Finance
“Since joining OC&C I have been really impressed with the safe and supportive environment the firm provides. As an openly gay man it is very rewarding to see how much the firm encourages its LGBTQ+ community to get involved, not only in terms of our LGBTQ+ network, but also to help drive initiatives and continue to shape the firm for the future. This is one of the many things that makes the people at OC&C so great to work with.”
Ingrid, Consultant
“The LGBTQ+ network allows me to play a role in shaping how OC&C supports its LGBTQ+ employees, from organizing social events to giving feedback on company policies. It's also been a great way to find mentorship within the firm and to meet other LGBTQ+ employees across different job roles and offices."
Tracy, Senior PA
“I have a passion for fairness and equality and feel strongly that we should all have the ability to lead our lives the way we wish without fear or discrimination. OC&C is already ahead of the mark in this area and it is with a huge sense of pride that I am a member of the LGBTQ+ task team. With a company strapline of ‘uncommon sense’, it takes all members of society to provide those diverse ideas to fulfil that brief and OC&C lets everyone have a voice to do just that. That’s why we’re so good at what we do! That’s why I’m a proud OC&C’er!”
Erica, Consultant
“The welcome I’ve felt from everyone at OC&C coupled with the support and celebration of the LGBTQ Network have made the experience of entering the professional world as an LGBT individual overwhelmingly positive; feeling comfortable being myself at work has made it possible to both connect with my colleagues authentically and grow professionally in a way that I couldn’t have otherwise.”