Riverside’s Executive Director for Care and Support has been offering tips and support to members of the LGBT community looking for a career.

John Glenton features in the 2017-18 Stonewall Starting Out guide – a national guide of LGBT-inclusive employers for students and jobseekers.

In the Stepping up as an Ally section, he talks about the importance of having trans allies in the workplace – something Riverside is keen to focus on this year.

John says: “I grew up in the 80s, when the UK was a very different place. The progress the UK has made in equality for the LGBT community would not have happened without the support of many allies.

“Therefore, as a gay man I try hard to bring about positive change for people who identify differently from me. I am determined to support my trans colleagues and customers on a journey where the destination is hopefully true equality for all.

“Producing a Transitioning at Work policy and a dress code that has the support of my trans colleagues is one way that I have been able to make a difference.

“As an ally, I take responsibility to consistently influence our working culture and practice at Riverside to be inclusive and take a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, harassment or discrimination.”

The Starting Out guide also offers an LGBT perspective on working in the housing sector and highlights Riverside’s ranking as a top 100 LGBT-friendly employer.