Who are we?

We are a staff association which represents the needs and interests of Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual and Trans employees and volunteers within the organisation, offering support, advice and guidance to both its members and the wider organisation.

We recognise that, while a number of our staff who identify as LGBT+ can be themselves within the workplace, able to express themselves and feel comfortable to be open about their sexuality and/or gender, there are still colleagues in the workplace who don’t feel able to do this.

For us the network has an important role in promoting diversity in all its forms, and to support our wider workforce to professionalising language and culture. We are committed to enhancing the work of the network, not only working with the organisation as a critical friend, but where appropriate to challenge and ensure the viewpoint of the membership is heard.

Membership is open to all staff within Sussex Police and it is not exclusive to those who identify as LGBT+. The network is made up of staff and volunteers across Sussex and the membership currently stands at just over 150. We have a small but dedicated team on the executive committee who have stepped up in addition to their day job to promote the network and are committed to enhancing the work we do.

We also have Proud Allies, a group of staff who are not LGBT+ themselves, but wish to visibly show their support for their lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and non-binary colleagues. They are not experts, but are individuals who believe that LGBT+ people should experience full equality at work, and want to play an active role in promoting an LGBT+ inclusive and friendly workplace, where everyone can feel comfortable to be themselves. 

The LGBT+ Network's aims for 2021 are:

  • To promote equal opportunities for LGBT+ police officers and staff.
  • To offer advice and support for LGBT+ police officers and staff.
  • To improve relations between the police service and the LGBT+ community.
  • To act as a 'critical friend' to Sussex Police.