United's equality work recognised with accolade
Manchester United’s work and ongoing commitment to equality and inclusion has been acknowledged by one of the UK's leading LGBT organisations.
United’s group managing director, Richard Arnold, has been recognised by OUTstanding, the charity which works alongside some of the biggest companies in the world, ensuring workplace equality and helping to eradicate discrimination, through a professional network of ideas and best practice.
The recognition for the club and Richard sees the United man named as one of 2017’s Leading Ally Executives, after a proactive 12 months for United, with work around equality seeing the launch of the club’s #allredallequal campaign.
Supporting fans, employees and all those associated with Manchester United, #allredallequal has seen the club work closely with the expertise of its principal partner Aon, making a conscious effort to ensure that United is a welcoming place for all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds and individual characteristics.
The club has strengthened its links with the LGBT inclusion charity Stonewall during this time, with Richard supporting their TeamPride conference in 2016, while United also became the first football club to be part of Stonewall’s TeamPride coalition, as well as hosting the Rainbow Laces Summit at Old Trafford.
Speaking about the club’s equality work, Richard commented: “To receive this recognition is something of which I’m immensely proud for the whole club. We have dedicated members of staff working on equality issues throughout the organisation and it’s an area which we continue to develop - ensuring we are at the forefront in our thinking and inclusion programmes.
“We have the expertise of our staff and partners, working to make sure our ideas, methods and best practice are outstanding in all areas of equality, harnessed to the diverse family of fans around the world, to make Manchester United and Old Trafford a home for all.”
The accolade was confirmed earlier today as part of the annual recognition from OUTstanding who acknowledge executives for their work in LGBT inclusion.
Suki Sandhu, founder and CEO, OUTstanding said: “These lists exist to challenge the assumption you cannot be out and successful in business, and to highlight the importance of role models in inspiring the next generation of business leaders.
“By recognising and celebrating those who are leading the charge, the lists demonstrate how far the quest for workplace equality has come. But there is always more to be done. Big business and the public sector have the power and influence to promote LGBT+ inclusion more widely, paving the way for real societal change around the world.”