The British Transport Police (BTP) Rainbow Network (formerly LGBT+ Staff Network) has been a visible and impactful presence across the force over the past year, supporting LGBTQIA+ colleagues and allies during a period of significant organisational and societal change The Network’s journey has been one of resilience and transformation, responding proactively to emerging challenges while laying down the foundations for long-term inclusivity and wellbeing.
Over the last 12 months, the Rainbow Network has undertaken a complete relaunch. With new committee members now elected to revitalise the Network’s purpose, structure, and offer. We expanded our roles to include Welfare Lead, Events Coordinator and Policy Review Lead, in order to broaden our each and strengthen our accountability to our members.
The relaunch came at a pivotal moment following the UK Supreme Court ruling on the definition of Sex. During this hard time the Rainbow Network has played a crucial role in advocating for the rights of our Trans and Non-binary colleagues in the organisation. We have been working closely with our Inclusion and Diversity Team to provide feedback on key policies, and to ensure all LGBTQIA+ voices are heard. We will continue to champion the voices of Trans colleagues in all future conversations to ensure they are represented at all levels, as well as all our LGBTQIA+ colleagues and allies.
Recognising the impact of national discourse on the wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ staff, the Rainbow Network have prioritised welfare. It have launched a series of regular drop-in welfare sessions, creating safe, confidential spaces for colleagues to come together and connect.
Despite complex challenges, the Network has continued to engage positively across the organisation. Membership has grown, committee visibility has increased and we are more vocal. We have continued to champion our 5 year strategy centring around visibility, policy influence, community building and wellbeing, aiming to make the force not just inclusive on paper but in lived experience.
