Calum Ridyard has significantly influenced LGBTQ+ inclusion beyond Arup through his leadership in Connect Out, the company’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group. As Deputy Co-Chair and Policy & Leadership representative, he has driven impactful initiatives such as public Annual Lectures that link LGBTQ+ inclusion with intersectionality, fostering collaboration across diverse employee networks. Calum’s advocacy led to improved healthcare benefits for trans colleagues and shaped Arup’s response to key legal consultations, ensuring LGBTQ+ issues remain prioritized at senior levels. Locally, he strengthened queer visibility in Birmingham by organizing Pride activities and integrating LGBTQ+ inclusion into civic engagement with Birmingham City Council. As Culture, Equity & Inclusion lead for Arup Digital Products, he embeds inclusive practices in a global software team. Calum’s journey from closeted employee to visible role model and advocate exemplifies his commitment to building community, nurturing new leaders, and championing queer parents within and beyond the workplace.
