“We’re here, we belong, and we’re ready to change things.”
BY TJ RICHARDS, IMAGES PROVIDED
Ten years ago, in a corner of Santander UK’s London office, a small group of colleagues decided to make some noise. Not the corporate kind – the kind that says, “We’re here, we belong, and we’re ready to change things.”
That spark became Embrace, the bank’s LGBTQIA+ employee network. Back then, it was around 300 members strong, most of them in the capital, finding connection in peer-to-peer support and a buzzing social scene. Last year we clocked in at nearly 3,000 members across the UK, a global blueprint for inclusion adopted by Santander networks in Spain, Portugal, Poland, Brazil, the USA, Chile, and Mexico – and a powerful force for change.
From First Steps to First Pride
The early days were all heart and hustle. Regional leads sprang up across the UK, growing the network out of London and building community across the business.
By 2016, Embrace had already landed the Friendliest LGBT Employer in Northern Ireland award at the GNI Awards – and helped Santander produce its first ever LGBTQIA+ magazine adverts.
Then came 2017: Embrace’s first Pride march. Not just marching, but making a statement. Branches got rainbow makeovers, Santander Cycles were wrapped in Pride designs, and 50 colleagues from across the bank took to the streets. For some, it was their first Pride. One co-chair remembers walking through Trafalgar Square hand-in-hand with her wife, surrounded by cheers, thinking how far things had come since her closeted teenage years. That same year, the network introduced Santander’s first Gender Identity & Expression Policy and Transitioning at Work guide – landmark steps for trans inclusion in the organisation.
Changing Policy, Changing Culture
Embrace understood early on that visibility was only part of the picture. They set about changing policy too – from embedding gender-neutral language in policies to improving customer name change processes.
The network created safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ colleagues, launched the Evolving Minds education platform, and delivered events with powerhouse speakers like John Amaechi, Lady Phyll, Sue Sanders, and Valentino Vecchietti. These weren’t just inspiring talks – they were catalysts for cultural change.
Local Pride, Global Reach
In 2020, Embrace went global. The network’s framework was adopted across the Santander Group, giving LGBTQIA+ colleagues in other countries the tools to launch their own networks.
But Embrace kept its feet firmly in local communities. The #SantanderSupportsPride campaign began funding smaller regional Pride events so colleagues could show up close to home. And the partnership with Milton Keynes Pride Festival – now in its fifth year – has helped keep this vibrant community celebration free for everyone.
Recognition That Matters
The results speak for themselves. Santander has soared from the 400s to #36 in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, with a top-ten spot firmly in its sights. Embrace has been named Best Employee Resource Group at the European Diversity Awards. And the bank continues to be recognised as one of the UK’s most LGBTQIA+ inclusive employers.
Beyond awards, the network’s work has transformed lives – like through the Stonewall TENT programme, where Embrace members mentor LGBTQIA+ refugees rebuilding careers after fleeing persecution.
The Next Decade
As Embrace celebrates its tenth anniversary, its mission hasn’t changed: keep advocating for LGBTQIA+ colleagues and customers, and make sure Santander remains a leader in workplace diversity and inclusion.
From a 300-strong London crew to a nearly 3,000-member movement influencing policy and culture across continents, Embrace’s story is proof of what happens when passion meets purpose. If the past ten years are anything to go by, the next chapter will be even bolder, louder, and prouder.
Santander is a proud partner of myGwork, the LGBTQ+ business community. Find out more about LGBTQ+ inclusive jobs at Santander.
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