Stonewall CEO - Candidate Pack

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INTRODUCTION FROM OUR CHAIR It is over 30 years since a small group of people gathered in the kitchen of Sir Ian McKellen’s house and signed what we now know of as the ‘Limehouse Declaration’. It was a specific response to Section 28 and stated that we would be ‘a pragmatic organisation pursuing a set of specific aims of relevance to gay people.’ Since that time many of those aims have gradually been achieved with changes to the law regarding the lowering of the age of consent, the ability to serve in the military, the right to live and work without fear of discrimination, and the right to adopt and to marry. Even Section 28 was finally repealed and Stonewall became the leading organisation assisting schools and colleges in their efforts to educate teachers and pupils on LGB issues. However, when I joined the board seven years ago, Stonewall was not trans inclusive in its work. Following the appointment of Ruth Hunt as CEO in 2014, and after a considerable period of consultation, the organisation became explicitly trans inclusive. For many, particularly public and private sector employers, this was an entirely logical next step in our evolution to represent LGBT identities. For Stonewall in particular, named after a civil rights uprising in New York led partly by trans women of colour, it had become increasingly untenable not to evolve and represent all of these communities. We all suffer from the same hate, discrimination and bullying. We all need to change attitudes and behaviour by educating and empowering people in our schools, workplaces, sport and communities. This seemed utterly obvious to me, and to the Stonewall board and staff, and we remain committed to this course. In spite of the huge progress that has been made in UK in legal reform and changing attitudes, the hardearned rights that have been achieved are constantly under threat. In the recent outcry by opponents of LGBT equality, to government plans to introduce inclusive relationship education in schools, we were reminded that LGBT people are not yet fully accepted. While we are encouraged that the number of children who experience bullying due to their sexual orientation in schools has decreased from 65 per cent to 45 per cent, the incidences of transphobia, racism and hate crime have been increasing over the last decade. There is still a huge amount to do here in the UK and internationally. This is a moment for clear heads and courage as we continue to pursue our goal to improve the everyday lives of LGBT people regardless of their age, ethnicity, faith, gender or background. We are working to achieve acceptance without exception during a time of increasing intolerance of all minority groups. It can be done. But it will require exceptional leadership to inspire commitment to ongoing funding and the effective delivery of our campaigns and empowerment programmes. Thank you for considering taking on the role of CEO of Stonewall at this critical time. There can be few jobs in UK that will present a bigger opportunity to have a positive impact on social justice. Stonewall represents a beacon of hope and strength to LGBT people, their families and communities both in UK and the rest of the world. I hope you feel inspired to take your place in our history. Many people will depend on it. Jan Gooding Chair of Board of Trustees, Stonewall
ABOUT US Stonewall exists because lesbian, gay, bi and trans people everywhere are still unable to live full, authentic lives without fear of discrimination. Recognised as one of the most effective charitable organisations in the United Kingdom, we’re known for helping transform the legal and cultural landscape for Britain’s LGBT communities. Today, however, we face a new chapter that is as complex as it is challenging. We must secure genuine inclusion for all and create a world where all LGBT people everywhere are accepted without exception. For a long time, we've recognised the need to engage beyond Westminster to achieve genuine equality. To face the challenges of the next decade we'll need to reach further and deeper into communities and work with sports fans, faith leaders, teachers in rural counties, small-business owners and many more. It also means recognising and representing the unique lived experiences of different LGBT people in all the work we do, ensuring that no one is left behind. For us to achieve this, Stonewall must be more strategic in its approach than ever before. We must develop and capitalise on partnerships with influential organisations. But we must also ensure that, as an organisation, we are led by the most passionate and proactive people. We hope you will consider becoming one of them.
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