Around 2 years ago, with the support of the practice, Steve Roe (ecology), Oli Grice Jackson (ecology) and Jane Fortescue (landscape) formed an LGBT+ Network here at FPCR.  The aims of the network are to: promote LGBT+ visibility within the workplace, to fundraise for local LGBT+ charities, to provide education and information for employees on LGBT+ issues and highlight the incredible importance and value of being able to be ‘out’ in the workplace without fear of discrimination. On the 11.10.19 the practice is recognising ‘National Coming Out Day’ through the sale of rainbow badges with all proceeds going to Notts LGBT+ Network.

Over the past two years Jane’s been working with the Landscape Institute’s Diversity and Inclusion Workgroup to create an LGBT+ network called Rainbow Places. As the group’s lead Jane presented at the LI’s CPD day on Wednesday to launch the network to members.  Where Rainbow Places is different to other LGBT+ networks is that they intend to build relationships with other professional bodies within the construction, nature and design industries to form a collaborative group, focussing on LGBT+ inclusion.  The feedback that the workgroup have received so far suggests that the landscape industry is generally an open and accepting place to be for LGBT+ folks however, this not reflected to the same extent in other professions.  The group intends to use their privileged position to be role models who positively affect other people’s experiences in the work place.   CIEEM, the UK Design Council and the Institute of Place Management have already signed up and we will be approaching more professional bodies once the network is up and running.