Supporting our LGBT talent at Shell

We recognise that social attitudes to LGBT issues vary around the world and that the external environment is changing.

Our approach is all about reinforcing respect for our employees and raising awareness rather than changing individual beliefs. Our Code of Conduct expects us to provide equal opportunity for all staff wherever they work regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

LGBT Networks at Shell

Shell LGBT Networks have been set up as a supportive space for LGBT colleagues to find confidence in being themselves at work. They aim to raise awareness of the challenges that LGBT staff face and work with people at all levels of the organisation to ensure Shell is an inclusive workplace.

The first LGBT Network was established at Shell in the US in 1997 and was soon followed by networks around the world, including in the UK, the Netherlands, Canada, India and as recently as 2015 in South Africa (see box).

They connect colleagues – including non-LGBT people – across the business and raise awareness by breaking down barriers, for example by running awareness and support sessions, and participating in local events.

Showing our support

Our support for LGBT equality includes:

• Workplace Pride – Shell is a member of Workplace Pride, a non-profit umbrella organisation foundation based in Amsterdam that strives for greater acceptance of LGBT people in the workplace and society. In 2012 we became a co-signatory of the Workplace Pride Declaration of Amsterdam in support of an LGBT inclusive workplace.
• Human Rights Campaign – Shell is a corporate partner of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the largest civil rights organisation working to achieve equality for LGBT Americans.
• Ally programmes – Shell has established a number of ally programmes that serve to make senior leaders more aware of the challenges of being LGBT across Shell, as well as having leaders visibly and actively supporting the work of the various networks.
• Flying the flag for Pride –As a public sign of corporate support, Shell flies the Pride flag outside many offices during Pride weeks and International Coming Out Day.
• Awareness training – We provide awareness training on sexual orientation as part of our D&I Learning Portfolio. We incorporate LGBT inclusion in all D&I training globally wherever Shell operates, including countries where being LGBT may be subject to restrictive legislation.

Did you know:

• Read how Shell was recently ranked 4th most LGBT-inclusive employer in the world by the Workplace Pride Foundation. 
• Find out how Shell scored 95% in the HRC Corporate Equality Index, which rates American workplaces on LGBT equality.