David Blackburn on OUTstanding LGBT+ Role Model Lists 2019

“To have been included in the OUTstanding LGBT+ 30 Public Sector Executives List is an honour. The personal recognition is great, but I’m motivated by the fact that as a gay man, like many people, I have faced challenges in my career journey. To be in the position that I am today, and able to create opportunity for others, not just for LGBT+ colleagues, but for everyone, is something I’m passionate about. At FSCS we recognise that to deliver our strategy we need a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can succeed.” David Blackburn, Chief People Officer at the UK’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

The 2019 OUTstanding LGBT+ Role Model Lists, supported by Yahoo Finance, are a powerful reflection of the incredible achievements of LGBT+ people in the business community.

Each year diversity charity INvolve publishes lists showcasing the top 100 LGBT+ Executives, 50 LGBT+ Future Leaders, 50 Ally Executives, and 30 Public Sector LGBT+ Executives.

All of the executives on this list — who identify as LGBT+ but can be any nationality and based in any country — were nominated by peers and colleagues or put themselves forward. Nominations were reviewed by the OUTstanding judging panel who scored each person on the influence of their role, their impact on staff inside and outside the workplace, and their business achievements.

OUTstanding is part of INvolve, global membership organisation and consultancy championing diversity and inclusion in business.

Founder & CEO of INvolve, Suki Sandhu OBE says, “We’re delighted to be celebrating another fantastic group of people from across the globe who are collectively driving cultural change and creating workplaces where everyone can succeed. LGBT+ discrimination is still prevalent in a lot of the world’s biggest economies but highlighting the work of successful role models changes people’s perceptions. They demonstrate that you can be successful and out at work, but most importantly inspire the next generation of LGBT+ leaders.”

Under David Blackburn’s guidance to create an inclusive work environment FSCS’s focusses on recruiting and retaining the widest and most diverse pool of talent. FSCS was a founding signatory of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter; launched the world’s first age friendly employer profile last year and has increased LGBT and female representation at all levels FSCS is an active supporter of Positive East, an HIV/AIDS charity in East London. As FSCS’s customers come from all backgrounds it’s essential that is reflected in its workforce, as it means they can truly empathise with customers’ concerns and understand their experience as perhaps they have been on similar journey.

 

Notes to editors
If you would like to interview David Blackburn please contact Catherine Goodier at FSCS on 020 7375 8631 or email: publicrelations@fscs.org.uk

Read more about the remit of FSCS on our Notes for editors page.