Having been with Openreach for only four months, Michael has already ensured that recruitment processes engage LGBT+ people, which has led to a successful increase in LGBT+ recruitment. He has also been completely authentic and open from day one e.g. in Senior Management Team meetings, so colleagues are able to clearly see a member of the LGBT+ community in a prominent position within the company. Prior to Openreach, Michael was part of the leadership team at Sainsbury’s, where he worked with the LGBT+ group and the Director sponsoring that strand of diversity and inclusion, on an engagement plan and events. Whilst there he helped launch a specific pin-badge and an addition to email signatures highlighting the company’s commitment to LGBT+ diversity. He also engaged Sainsbury’s with Pride in London, specifically supporting volunteer events. Externally, Michael was the principle advisor to David Cameron on LGBT+ issues leading work on the introduction of same sex marriage. He also, founded and co-chairs London LGBT+ Community Pride, the group that has transformed the Pride event in London.
