NHS Midlands and Lancashire’s (NHS ML’s) LGBTQ+ Staff Network has been shortlisted for the Digital Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award in this year’s HSJ Digital Awards. 

The LGBTQ+ Network is a vibrant staff community. It celebrates diversity, supports inclusion and champions every individual’s right to be their authentic self at NHS ML and beyond. Members include staff within the LGBTQ+ spectrum, allies and anyone who simply wishes to learn more. Co-Chairs Garvin Taylor of our Health Economics Unit and Ashley Burton, Technical Project Manager at NHS ML, lead the Network.

The successful project that achieved the shortlisting was the Tent-Pole speaker talks. This was a series of virtual talks covering topics which directly address the many inequalities the community faces. 

The Network sought collaboration with other NHS organisations to open the talks up to a wider audience. A link up with the NHS Confederation followed, and an average attendance of nearly 100 people. (Find out more about why they were nominated.) 

As a result, the Network is now providing a listening service and help for attendees to find professional support.

NHS ML’s other internal staff networks – the Ethnic Diversity Network and the Disability Network, are also extending invitations to allow a more diverse group of people to be included in discussions and meetings. Other NHS equality, diversity and inclusion groups are consulting with the LGBTQ+ Network to gain a deeper understanding of how they can expand and build a more local diverse organisation.  

Huge congratulations and good luck to our colleagues at the LGBTQ+ Network! The judging takes place on Tuesday 29 April with the awards ceremony on Thursday 26 June 2025.