Consortium is the leading infrastructure organisation supporting, strengthening, and amplifying LGBT+ voluntary and community organisations across the UK. With over 680 member organisations, we provide vital resources, advocacy, and funding opportunities to ensure LGBT+ groups can thrive, sustain their work, and create meaningful change. Our work is rooted in intersectionality, ensuring diverse LGBT+ voices are centred in decision-making, policy influence, and sector-wide collaboration.
We enhance the capacity of LGBT+ organisations by offering tailored support in governance, funding access, and organisational development. Through networks, one-to-one guidance, and comprehensive online resources, we equip grassroots groups with the tools to navigate financial challenges, strengthen leadership, and develop sustainability strategies. Our networks including: LGBT+ Leaders Network, Trans Organisations Network, and Racial Justice Network ensure intersectional experiences are prioritised, fostering leadership that reflects the diversity of our communities.
A major achievement of Consortium is our role in funding distribution. To date, we have channelled over £2.2 million to grassroots organisations that often struggle to secure mainstream funding. Our initiatives, including our recent Equity Fund, have directly supported underrepresented groups including disabled LGBT+ people, faith-based groups, and global majority communities. By prioritising accessibility and equity, we ensure marginalised communities receive the support needed to deliver vital services.
Consortium plays a key role in advocating for LGBT+ rights and ensuring grassroots organisations have a voice in national policy discussions. We have worked closely with government bodies, including NHS England, to address health inequalities and push for inclusive service provision. Our CEO, Paul Roberts, served on the UK Government’s LGBT+ Advisory Panel, bringing lived experiences into policy-making. We regularly submit evidence to government inquiries, ensuring the challenges our communities face are acknowledged in public policy.
Our networks unite leaders, activists, and organisations to share best practices, collaborate on initiatives, and strengthen the sector. These networks amplify marginalised voices, foster solidarity, and ensure the LGBT+ voluntary sector remains resilient to emerging challenges.
Sustainability is at the heart of our work. Beyond immediate funding and support, Consortium is committed to securing long-term stability for LGBT+ organisations. We are currently developing our LGBT+ Fund, which will provide sustainable financial support for grassroots groups, ensuring the future of vital LGBT+ services.
Consortium’s impact is widely recognised, shaping national conversations on LGBT+ inclusion, funding, and policy. Our partnerships with mainstream institutions have led to increased visibility and structural changes benefiting the entire LGBT+ voluntary sector. We remain a trusted voice in advocating for our communities, ensuring LGBT+ organisations are central to decision-making processes affecting their futures.
Consortium is more than a network; it is a driving force for change in the LGBT+ voluntary and community sector. Our achievements in funding distribution, advocacy, network development, and intersectional inclusion have transformed the landscape for grassroots LGBT+ organisations. Winning the Outstanding Diversity Network award would honour the collective impact of our members, staff, and partners who work tirelessly to make the UK a more inclusive and equitable place for LGBT+ communities.
