Supporting our LGBT+ talent at Shell
At Shell, we support and enable remarkable people from every background, and strive to be a pioneer of LGBT+ inclusion in the workplace.
By sharing and listening to each other’s experiences, we can contribute to a more inclusive world. We asked Shell colleagues around the world to share their inspiring stories.
Celebrating Pride All Around the World
At Shell, we care about the diversity of our people because we believe that a fully inclusive workplace allows our employees to flourish and so allows our business to flourish.
When our employees excel, we excel. It’s for this reason that we are proud to support our LGBT+ staff, promoting equality for employees regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Our approach is all about reinforcing respect for our employees and raising awareness rather than changing individual beliefs. Our Code of Conduct expects us to provide equal opportunity for all staff wherever they work regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
LGBT+ Networks at Shell
Shell LGBT+ Networks have been set up as a supportive space for LGBT+ colleagues to find confidence in being themselves at work. They aim to raise awareness of the challenges that LGBT+ staff face and work with people at all levels of the organisation to ensure Shell is an inclusive workplace.
The first LGBT+ Network was established at Shell in the US in 1997 and was soon followed by networks around the world, including in the UK, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, India and as recently as 2015 in South Africa.
James Fowler, Mechanical Engineer and co-founder & President of Kaleidoscope, Shell Australia’s LGBTI+ Network“I’m so grateful to work for an organisation that not only supported the launch of this network but constantly strives to become a more inclusive space for its employees. I look forward to seeing Kaleidoscope continue to reach more colleagues.”
They connect colleagues – including allies – across the business and raise awareness by breaking down barriers, for example by running awareness and support sessions, and participating in local events.
Showing our support
Our support for LGBT+ equality includes:
Workplace Pride: Shell is a member of Workplace Pride, a non-profit umbrella organisation foundation based in Amsterdam that strives for greater acceptance of LGBT+ people in the workplace and society. In 2012 we became a co-signatory of the Workplace Pride Declaration of Amsterdam in support of an LGBT+ inclusive workplace.
Ally programmes: Shell has established a number of ally programmes that serve to make senior leaders more aware of the challenges of being LGBT+ across Shell, as well as having leaders visibly and actively supporting the work of the various networks.
Flying the flag for Pride: As a public sign of corporate support, Shell flies the Pride flag outside many offices during Pride weeks and International Coming Out Day.
Awareness training: We provide awareness training on sexual orientation as part of our D&I Learning Portfolio. We incorporate LGBT+ inclusion in all D&I training globally wherever Shell operates, including countries where being LGBT+ may be subject to restrictive legislation.
Talent programmes: Across the world, we recognise that certain groups in society can experience additional challenges or barriers to access education, development or training opportunities. We aim to provide a safe, caring, and inclusive environment for LGBT+ staff so that everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. In pursuit of this, we have launched a programme to provide the space to nurture LGBT+ leadership and personal development. We’ll keep exploring ways to overcome the practical barriers that our people may face.
