Engine Unites with Stonewall for Pride in London Pledge with New Internal Training Program

Engine’s second annual Pride Day saw a flood of celebrations throughout the day, a talk from Engine’s sports and entertainment marketing agency Synergy on their recent ‘Rainbow Russians’ Paddy Power World Cup campaign that raised over £100,000 for LGBT+ charities, and further initiatives building on their commitment to promoting a diverse work environment

To mark Pride in London, global communications network, Engine, has made two major announcements outlining its commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and positive work environment. Key announcements include:

Launching a new training programme in partnership with LGBT+ charity Stonewall – Engine has been working with leading LGBT+ charity Stonewall to develop a new pilot training programme. Named ‘It’s OK to Ask’, the programme looks to tackle the issues and questions around LGBT+ marketing, with a focus on myth-busting and providing historical background, as well as best-in-class campaign examples and what can happen when brands get it wrong.

The aim of the programme is to give staff from across all departments the confidence to push bold ideas and effectively plan LGBT+ inclusive campaigns across the board – not exclusive to Pride month, but throughout the entire year. The programme will be trialled at WCRS, Engine’s creative agency, before moving further into other Engine companies. 

Installing gender-free toilets in its Great Portland Street office. All toilets within 60 Great Portland Street will be moving to gender-free status in the coming weeks. The move is aimed at helping all members of Engine staff feel comfortable, especially those who are transgendered. The company will also be providing new washroom kits and educational materials when the changeover happens.

The day’s closing celebration was a drinks reception hosted on Engine’s roof terrace, attended by staff and clients.

Simon Peck, Group Managing Director at Engine UK commented: “I am hugely proud that Engine is an open and diverse company in which to work. People spend more time at work than anywhere else so no matter who they are or where they come from, I want them to feel safe, open and comfortable. These initiatives will go a long way to creating an environment that fosters this culture.”

Mark Harrop, Founder of Engine LGBT+ network, commented: “The purpose of launching Engine’s LGBT+ network last year was to celebrate our LGBT+ community and champion a safe, inclusive and positive work environment. Our announcements this week show that we are taking proactive steps to put the network’s values into practice, and that Engine is leading the way in diversity and inclusion initiatives across the industry.”