Co-chaired by Beau Jackson, deputy editor of HR magazine, and David Russell, marketing manager for MAG Digital Resources and Mark Allen Dentistry Media, the group aims to support incoming and existing LGBT+ employees and allies to promote a culture of belonging.

Mark Allen is committed to building a working environment which provides equality of opportunity and freedom from all forms of discrimination, and LGBT+ employees and allies are a critical part of the group’s commitment to being inclusive and anti-discriminatory.

MA Pride has been set up to improve employee awareness of the challenges LGBT+ colleagues may face and create informed solutions through a supportive network. The group will also collaborate with teams internally to ensure policies, communications and employee events are inclusive of LGBT+ employees.

The network has executive sponsorship from Mark Allen HR director, Stuart McLean, and support from HR manager, Lucy Nyuke.

It will sit underneath the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion group.

Co-chairs Beau Jackson and David Russell said: “An ability to be open about our sexuality makes us more confident at work and we want all colleagues to feel that way too. It’s also important to bring those outside of the LGBT+ community with us, as we can all benefit from mutual support and understanding of one another.

“It is great to have been supported in creating MA Pride at Mark Allen, and we are very proud to be co-chairing the network."