LGBTQ+-friendly employers and navigating your career

Posted on 21 May 2025 • Career planning

 “it’s not just about being included, but it’s also about being seen and heard and valued without having to compromise on who you are”
Andreya Ezekiel-Meade, Software Engineer, Virgin Media O2

We asked some of the employers we work with to share their approach to inclusion and support for LGBTQ+ employees. Watch this video to find out how Virgin Media O₂, The Environment Agency and DS Smith (sustainable packaging, paper, recycling) are taking steps to foster inclusive workplaces and create supportive environments for all staff members, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Find LGBTQ+-friendly employers

 “It’s incredibly important to have LGBTQ plus role models in the workplace. You sometimes have doubts about whether you could make it into a higher role, (…) seeing visible role models allows you to consider that you too could also grow into more senior positions.”
David Hatton, Global Talent Partner, DS Smith

Find out more about choosing a career that suits you and using Labour Market Information (LMI) to identify workplaces which are inclusive and proactively support the LGBTQ+ community.

Know your rights in recruitment and the workplace

 “We use inclusive recruitment volunteers throughout our campaigns to check our adverts for inclusivity”
Sandra Mackenzie, Area Resourcing Lead for Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, The Environment Agency

We understand that barriers related to discrimination or bias may still exist in certain industries or workplaces, and our resources are here to help you navigate those challenges. Know your legal rights under the Equality Act 2010 and work through practical activities in Your Career Planning Guide to help you identify a career that is right for you. The protections for trans people under the Equality Act 2010 remain unchanged following the recent Supreme Court ruling in April 2025 regarding the definitions of ‘woman’ and ‘sex’. Our commitment to providing inclusive and supportive careers advice continues unwaveringly. We will review any new guidance that emerges from this ruling to ensure we offer the best possible support.

We’re here for all OU students, and that includes you

 “It’s vital that we have visible leadership and those who are comfortable to do so speak up about their experiences and represent the [LGBTQ+] community within the business”
David Hatton, Global Talent Partner, DS Smith

The OU’s Careers and Employability Services team is here to help all OU students succeed, whatever your goals, sexuality, gender, background, identity, abilities, disabilities, mental or physical health conditions and differences. Whether you’re just starting to explore career options or you’re preparing for your next job opportunity, throughout your studies and for 3 years after we can help you:

• Navigate your future.
• Find effective job search strategies.
• Build your future with career confidence.
• Create a CV with impact.
• Practice your interview skills.

Don’t forget your OU Students Association provides an inclusive and supportive community for our LGBTQ+ students, OU Pride.