Celebrating Pride at BDO

Accountancy and advisory firm, BDO, is marking Pride month with a summer of activities across its UK offices led by its LGBT network, BLEND, and has showcased a video featuring partners and colleagues called “Be Bold, Be Yourself, Be Allies.” 

BDO’s BLEND network was founded with the aim of creating a safe, open-minded and encouraging work environment specifically for colleagues who identify as LGBT and their allies. The network – along with other community and faith networks at BDO – is an important part of the firm’s culture, encouraging people to be themselves, be inspired and challenged, be collaborative and successful in their ambition to deliver high quality in all they do.

Local celebrations have been held in BDO’s office hubs in London, the Midlands, Bristol, Southampton and the South East, with further events planned in other regions, including the North West to coincide with Manchester’s annual pride parade in August.  

This year, members and allies of BDO’s BLEND network created an 11-minute feature film entitled “Be Bold, Be Yourself, Be Allies” to talk about their experiences, the importance of networks in the workplace, and why being an ally matters. Team screenings of the BLEND video have taken place internally, with the network planning to host a panel discussion on the topic of mentoring and allyship in the workplace, as well as publicising thought leadership articles and discussion pieces. 

Sandra Thompson, Partner and sponsor of the BLEND network at BDO said:  

“I’m really proud to be Partner Sponsor for BDO’s LGBT+ network, BLEND, and proud to belong to a Firm which holds strong values and doesn’t tolerate bigotry in any form. It’s been a privilege to work with colleagues and allies in amplifying our voices to highlight the important issues raised in our video, including challenges faced by the trans community. BDO ran a staff-wide Listening Programme late last year and this showed that 85% of our people agree that people from different backgrounds and opinions can be themselves and thrive at BDO, which is a testament to the culture we have here at BDO. 

“The BLEND network’s creation of our Be Bold, Be Yourself, Be Allies video was genuine and heartfelt, reflecting what #LifeatBDO is really like. I am thrilled to be able to share some of my thoughts on what it means to be bold, be yourself and be an ally, and particularly in standing up for those who actively need our support. This work is so important, not just for our LGBT+ colleagues but for championing true diversity and inclusion in the workplace.” 

You can hear more about Sandra’s own experience of working at BDO here.

Read more about BLEND and BDO’s other networks in the firm’s annual Culture and Impact report here.

ENDS

Note to editors

Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP provides integrated advice and solutions to help businesses navigate a changing world. 

The organisations we work with are Britain’s economic engine –entrepreneurially-spirited, high-growth businesses that fuel the economy.  

We understand the ambitions and entrepreneurial mindset of those we work with and have the global reach, integrity and expertise to help people and businesses succeed.  

BDO LLP
BDO LLP operates in 17 offices across the UK, employing 7,500 people offering tax, audit and assurance, and a range of advisory services. BDO LLP is the UK member firm of the BDO international network.

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The BDO global network provides business advisory services in 164 countries and territories, with 111,300 people working out of 1,803 offices worldwide. It has revenues of US$12.8bn.