Breaking Barriers - open career development programme for LGBTQ+ professionals
The context
Many organisations want to support the progression of their LGBTQ+ staff but do not always have the scale to commission in-house programmes.
At the same time, Pride in Leadership’s research highlighted consistent challenges for LGBTQ+ professionals around confidence, visibility, progression and influence.
We designed this open programme to bridge that gap, creating access to high-quality training and personal development in a shared, cross-organisational setting.
What we did
We designed and delivered a four-part training programme for LGBTQ+ professionals from a range of organisations.
Shaped directly by the research, the sessions focused on:
overcoming barriers to progression
building confidence and direction
developing strong professional relationships
becoming a person of influence
The programme combined practical tools with open discussion, creating a space where participants could reflect, share experiences and learn from each other.
The impact
Participants left with greater clarity, confidence and a stronger sense of direction in their careers.
Just as importantly, the programme built genuine connections. Attendees formed supportive peer networks and, in many cases, lasting friendships that continued beyond the sessions.
Great empowering experience
I could not recommend this programme enough - the space we were given as a group to connect and challenge our own biases as well as have vulnerable and open conversations around where we want to get to and action we can take was incredible and so so valuable.
Inspirational and affirming.
Affirming, supportive space that left me feeling bolder.
It's different to other Leadership courses because it brings a queer lens to the issues we face as LGBTQ+ professionals in the workplace.
Would recommend to anyone!
Why it matters
This programme made tailored LGBTQ+ career development accessible to people who would not otherwise have it.
By bringing participants together across organisations, it also created something more powerful than training alone: a sense of connection, shared experience and momentum.
Interested in working together?
We run open programmes alongside tailored in-house support for organisations.
If you would like to explore either, we would be very happy to have a conversation.
