Arup’s LGBTQ+ Network, Connect Out, have been named Employee Resource Group of the Year at the 2023 British LGBT Awards. 

The annual event, which took place on Friday 23 June in London, celebrates diversity and inclusion in the UK and showcases organisations, networks and individuals that have demonstrated a commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.

Connect Out continues to strive for a workplace culture that respects, welcomes and celebrates all LGBTQ+ professionals, one which amplifies all under-represented voices and empowers them to perform to their fullest potential, so they can shape a better world.

Taking a leading role in the sector, Connect Out, takes great pride in collaborating with other networks, firms and community groups to influence our work in designing a more inclusive built environment that truly reflects the needs and diversity of modern society.

In the category for Employee Resource Group of the Year, Connect Out were joined by competition from large organisations including Amazon, Boots, Financial Times, Johnson & Johnson, Just Eat and LinkedIn.

Watch the acceptance speech delivered by Arup's Connect Out Co-Chair, Zoe Megins-Davies.
Watch the acceptance speech delivered by Arup's Connect Out Co-Chair, Zoe Megins-Davies.

A Stonewall top employer

The British LGBT Award win follows on from our success earlier in the year when Europe’s largest charity for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer rights, Stonewall, launched its Top 100 Employers List - naming Arup a top employer.

Achieving Stonewall’s coveted gold award for the first time, ranking #2 overall in the Index standings and placing #1 in the Construction, Engineering and Property sector. Moving-up an impressive 335 places on the index since 2020.

The list celebrates exceptional employers who are committed to supporting their LGBTQ+ employees and championing LGBTQ+ equality across the UK. This recognition highlights the firm's commitment to creating a working environment that not only accepts all our members for their unique perspectives but celebrates them.

Connect Out also received the Highly Commended Network Group Award, which is given to the organisations with the highest scores in the Network Activity section of the Index.

Arup Stonewall award
Stonewall inclusive employer gold award: Arup people share what matters to them about inclusion