LGBT+ Networks, 2017-2020

The LGBT+ Networks data consists of 9 case studies of LGBT+ employee networks in the NHS (located in England, Scotland and Wales) and 118 short video clips from LGBT+ people and their allies. Qualitative data form the case studies was collected from September 2017 to October 2019. Each case study comprises transcripts from network meetings (38) and transcripts from interviews (65) with network chairs, network members, allies, EDI/HR representatives and chief executive officers in organisations. The short video clips (118) were recorded in a custom-made video booth located in 8 different organisations during LGBT+ history month in February 2020.<p>This research aims to offer better understanding of how lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) employee networks are run and what they can do to improve relationships between colleagues, and ultimately, improve the wellbeing of LGBT+ employees. In doing so, the research focuses on LGBT+ employee networks within the NHS in nine different institutions by administering surveys, interviewing network members and taking part in network activities. To achieve our research aims, the following objectives have been set:

1) Establish baseline understanding of how LGBT+ employee networks operate;
2) Map network membership and explore ways of addressing insufficient representation of different groups with the networks;
3) Explore what support is in place to archive networks' vision and what barriers exists to realise this vision;
4) Examine ways of using LGBT+ employee networks to address negativity towards gender and sexual minorities more effectively.</p>