Danske Bank’s Kevin Heavern and Angela Guiney discuss Danske Bank’s ongoing partnership with Cara-Friend and commitment to their LGBTQIA+ Business Charter.
15th Dec 2023
Kevin Heavern (he/him) is Head of Marketing at Danske Bank and co-chair of the Bank’s employee-led Rainbow Committee, alongside Angela Guiney (she/her) who works as an Assistant Corporate Banking Manager.
Kevin explained that Danske Bank has a very clear purpose – to help customers, colleagues and society thrive, and mentions that the Bank’s wider Diversity and Inclusion strategy is a central part of that. Creating and curating an environment where all colleagues feel safe, supported and free to be themselves is a key focus – and that includes LGBTQIA+ colleagues. Everyone who comes to work should feel happy to be themselves.
The ongoing commitment to Diversity and Inclusion is a key focus for Danske Bank, and an increasing priority for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Kevin says that working with Cara-Friend helps the Rainbow network and the wider Bank on their journey of inclusion with training, advice, volunteering opportunities through the Cara-Friend LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Schools’ Charter programme, and ongoing guidance and support for LGBTQIA+ colleagues and allies.
Angela agrees and says that after seeing the value in working with Cara-Friend, the Bank looked to the charity to see how they could support other businesses wanting to do similar work. As part of that, Danske became the Principal Sponsor of the Cara-Friend LGBTQIA+ Business Charter and continues to support the development and delivery of the programme.
The Business Charter is an invaluable training resource, which helps companies develop their knowledge, awareness and understanding to effectively address inclusivity, equality and respect within their business. It ultimately provides the framework to support their staff of all genders and sexual orientations.
Angela adds, the work Danske’s Rainbow Committee undertakes is just one part of the wider Diversity and Inclusion focus for Danske Bank. The Bank’s Belong strategy encompasses our other employee-led networks which support gender, disability and race – as well as inclusion of broader areas for colleague support, including those who have caring responsibilities, are going through the menopause, parental engagement and many other areas of life.
Danske Bank is the Principal Sponsor of Cara-Friend’s LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Business Charter.
To find out more, or take part in the Charter, please contact Jo McParland Cara-Friend’s Education & Training Manager by email joanne.mcparland@cara-friend.org.uk or by telephone: 077 2980 8177
