Our Mission: Building Belonging
At Alchemy, it is important to us that we recognise the value that comes from embracing individuals of all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. We proudly foster inclusivity in every aspect, and our employee-led initiative, Alchemy Community and Allies, does just that.
Our mission is to foster a workplace where LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies feel accepted, truly valued, and empowered to embrace their true selves. By actively challenging biases, amplifying the voices of marginalised individuals, and cultivating an environment of psychological safety, we strive to create an empowering workplace for everyone.
What we offer at Alchemy Community and Allies
Our efforts at Alchemy Community and Allies are diverse, encompassing a range of initiatives designed to promote understanding, awareness, and above all, respect.
Open discussions/conversations
We want to provide a platform for open dialogue, encouraging members to share their ideas for fostering a more inclusive and unbiased work environment. By facilitating meaningful discussions and inclusive sessions, we aim to help foster empathy and promote a mutual understanding among all participants of our purpose and mission.
Educational workshops
We understand that knowledge is power, and we believe in empowering our workplace and community with the tools and information needed to create a positive change. By delving deeper into topics such as gender identity, pronoun usage, LGBTQ+ history through the help of a Stonewall Lunch and Learns, we hope to increase awareness, educate, and aim to break down the barriers, encouraging a culture of acceptance and inclusion.
Roisin Clifford and Ryan Roberts share some insights into their motivation for establishing the employee-led group:
''Driven by my own challenges as an individual navigating the workplace in my younger years, I was keen to form the Alchemy Community & Allies group. My aim was to create an inclusive haven for LGBT+ members and their allies, a place enriched with social gatherings and enlightened talks from educational speakers. This group not only serves as a forum for celebrating our identities but also as a support network that nurtures personal growth and emotional well-being.
By fostering an environment where every member feels valued and understood, we're not just enhancing individual experiences; we're also reinforcing Alchemy's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Our efforts align with the organisation's broader goals to cultivate a workplace where everyone, irrespective of their background or identity, can thrive. Despite the significant strides the LGBTQ+ community has made, maintaining visibility within the organisation is crucial, not just for our current team, but also for potential new recruits considering joining Alchemy.'' - Roisin Clifford
"We decided to set up the Alchemy Community & Allies group for a number of reasons. Firstly, to promote inclusivity by creating a safe, supportive, and empowered environment for employees of diverse backgrounds, identities and experiences. To foster diversity by bringing together colleagues from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives in order to promote and celebrate the unique contributions of each individual. To have a support network to serve as a platform for employees to connect, network and build supportive relationships.
We aim to advocate for change and address unconscious bias and discrimination by amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups and allies, to drive change and promote a more inclusive workplace culture, raise awareness of these issues, and promote accountability. The Alchemy Community & Allies group will help create a safer and more equitable work environment for all employees.'' - Ryan Roberts
How to Become a Better Ally
At Alchemy, we strive to ensure our employees feel valued and supported. We are committed to promoting and fostering allyship with the LGBTQ+ community. Being a better ally means understanding, supporting, and advocating for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment in our workplace, leading to a healthier, more innovative, and open culture.
As part of Pride Month, we want to highlight the importance of being a better ally to the LGBTQ+ community and how individuals can contribute:
1.Educate yourself and others: Learn about LGBTQ+ issues and be open to new information and perspectives.
2.Listen to LGBTQ+ voices: Allow LGBTQ+ people to share their experiences and perspectives without judgment.
3.Speak out against discrimination: If you witness discrimination or bias against LGBTQ+ people, speak up and take action to address it.
4.Use inclusive language: Be mindful of the words you use - avoid heterosexual bias language or derogatory to the LGBTQ+ community.
5.Support LGBTQ+ organisations: To show your support for the community, consider donating to an LGBTQ+ advocacy organisation or charity.
By taking the time to understand how to be better allies, we can help create a more welcoming workplace environment for everyone. Let’s champion change together.