Launching our report – Overcoming barriers to career development
Last year we conducted a survey of over 1,000 LGBTQ+ people across the country to ask about their careers and what they think might have held them back.
LGBTQ+ professionals across the UK are breaking barriers, driving change, and bringing unique strengths to leadership—but significant challenges remain. Many are thriving, using resilience, creativity, and emotional intelligence to excel in their careers. Yet, invisible barriers still shape opportunities, limit progression, and influence career choices in ways that often go unspoken.
Pride in Leadership is proud to present the findings of our groundbreaking national survey of over 1,000 LGBTQ+ professionals. This report provides an evidence-based look at both the successes and struggles shaping LGBTQ+ career progression in the UK today.
Join us for this unique event, as Claire, Matt, and some special guests (TBC), discuss the key insights from our report.
Running order
- 5.30pm | Registration, with welcome drink and networking
- 6.10pm | Discussion
- 7.10pm | Networking with food and drink
- 8.30pm | Event closes
Venue
NatWest Group
1 Spinningfields Square
Manchester
M3 3AP
Key findings:
✔️ LGBTQ+ professionals bring resilience & leadership – Many credit their identity with enhancing their emotional intelligence, creativity, and adaptability.
✔️ The ‘Confidence Gap’ is real – Imposter syndrome and a lack of role models hold LGBTQ+ professionals back from career progression.
✔️ Bias in recruitment and promotions – respondents believe bias may play a role in hiring, yet few organisations track LGBTQ+ career progression.
✔️ Beyond performative allyship – While 82% of companies mark Pride Month, far fewer offer structural support like mentoring (31%) or LGBTQ+ leadership training (37%).
✔️ Intersectionality compounds the challenge – LGBTQ+ professionals who are also from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled, or women face added barriers to career progression.
Join us as we unpack the findings and set out clear, practical steps for organisations, policymakers, recruiters, and the LGBTQ+ community itself.
Limited capacity – secure your place today!
