Leading pub company and brewer Greene King’s LGBTQ+ employee led inclusion group, The Village Greene has been awarded the coveted New Employee Network of the Year Award at The Bank of London Rainbow Honours, held on 1 June.
As one of the UK’s biggest LGBTQ+ awards events, The Rainbow Honours celebrates the best of British and international LGBTQ+ talent, as well as the allies and organisations who support them.
Greene King’s employee led inclusion group, The Village Greene, was up against stiff competition from a number of brands and organisations including Deliveroo, Kingfisher, Sheffield LGBT+ multi agency network, Surrey County Council, University of Birmingham, WPP and WTW UK.
Despite the highly competitive space, judges awarded The Village Greene the highly sought-after New Employee Network of the Year Award in recognition for its incredible work to make Greene King the best possible place to work for LGBTQ+ team members.
The Village Greene won the award as it has enabled the company to listen to the challenges faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community, acting accordingly, and are helping create an environment where all feel a sense of belonging and are embraced and valued for who they are. It is one of four employee led inclusion groups within the business as part of its journey towards everyday inclusion for all. (For more information click here)
Greene King has a range of ongoing Pride commitments active throughout the year, such as a LGBTQ+ themed beer, Progress Pale Ale, available from 20 June in participating pubs. To support the community, 20p from each pint of Progress Pale Ale sold is donated to LGBTQ+ charity partner Switchboard.
Scott Frankham, lead for The Village Greene and head of social media and content at Greene King, said: “The Village Greene is an employee led initiative, so it’s fantastic to see the dedication and passion of our team be rewarded with such a prestigious award. We’re on an exciting journey with The Village Green and there’s lots more to come.”
Karen Bosher, managing director at Greene King and Village Greene executive sponsor, said: “It’s absolutely vital that our LGBTQ+ team members feel that they belong and are valued at Greene King, and that their beliefs, challenges, and concerns are heard, no matter how big or small. This award is an amazing achievement for the team and we’re so pleased their hard work has been recognised.
“Pride isn’t just a one-off event for us – it’s about continued support to the community throughout the entire year, and The Village Greene is a key part of ensuring the work we do is in keeping with the needs of our LGBTQ+ team members.”
