Emma Palethorpe on how SJP embeds inclusion into culture

On National Coming Out Day, read how St. James's Place (SJP) is creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people to be themselves. #WorkingWithPride

At SJP, we are truly passionate about not only ensuring everyone feels they can belong, but also thrive. Fostering inclusion at SJP is embedded in our culture. We want employees to bring their true self to work, and our LGBTQ+ network, SJPride, is a space for support, allyship and building awareness across the whole SJP community.

Emma Palethorpe, Network chair, explains more:

I'm passionate about the network and making a real difference in people's lives. It took me a long time to fully embrace who I am and find an organization where I felt I could truly be myself. I don’t want people to be in their 40’s before they can find their place, my personal mission is to help make SJP an inclusive place where people feel they can be their authentic selves.

As a network we are a confidential point of contact for guidance and support for members of the LGBTQ+ community and we aim to drive change and make SJP even more inclusive. We lead on awareness – creating engagement through activities like webinars and events, to support in educating others.

I used to volunteer with LGBTQ+ young people, I think about them going through education and thriving in that environment, I would hate them to think they had to hide that part of themselves in the workplace – you can be yourself and you don’t have to hide any part of you to join SJP.