Dr Polly Waite

I wanted to go on the LGBT+ Allyship training because I hugely value diversity and inclusivity in all areas of my life, including at work. It is important to me that I do my bit in creating an environment at work where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. I really enjoyed the workshop and found it helpful to think about all the ways we can express support, from adding our pronouns and an ally logo to our emails, to having conversations and taking action to ensure our workplace is inclusive. I found the workshop a really great opportunity to think about the experience of being on the receiving end of other people’s prejudice and the ongoing nature of this for LGBT+ friends and colleagues, as well as the young people and families we work with in our research and clinical work. It reinforced to me the importance of being visible as an ally – of stepping in and standing up. I will also be encouraging other people to take part in the training – especially those in more senior and leadership positions!