HSBC adopts LGBT+ Ally scheme

Thursday 24 May 2018

HSBC has become the first firm in the Channel Islands and Isle of Man to adopt a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Plus ‘Ally’ scheme in order to create a more open, comfortable environment for staff and customers.

Employees who wish to be an LGBT+ Ally will be trained to ensure the working environment at HSBC is inclusive for all their colleagues, regardless of a person’s orientation. They will be open to listen or speak to anyone who wishes to discuss their personal experience, as well as being encouraged to stand up for any misunderstandings on the subject and educate their fellow colleagues.

HSBC Pride, which started the scheme, is a volunteer-led Employee Resource Group that seeks to ensure that LGBT+ employees and their allies can perform to the best of their abilities and fulfil HSBC’s strategic goals in an open, inclusive and supportive environment.

Pictured: HSBC in Jersey lit up for Pride

Claire Slonimski, Head of Middle Office, Corporate Banking, HSBC said “For a business to be effective, its employees need to be absolutely comfortable in their own skin and HSBC prides itself on providing an open, inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels they can be their true self at work.

"The Ally programme is an important part of this, and we hope that it will create not just a more supportive environment for bank employees, but for its customers and the wider Channel Island and Isle of Man communities too.”