How to be a better ally to your LGBTQIA+ staff

Small business success hinges on its people. When staff feel they can bring their whole selves to work, and that they are understood and supported, it leads to happier, more productive and more loyal employees. 

At Funding Circle, our commitment to our LGBTQIA+ colleagues goes beyond just Pride Month. We invest in our people all-year-round and work hard to be an inclusive company where everyone can thrive.

Here to explain what allyship is, why it’s important, and share simple, actionable tips from our allyship training provider, Altogether Different.

Why we invest in diversity in our workplace 

By fostering an inclusive workplace, we are more attuned to the needs of the small businesses and investors we serve. This is why we’re big advocates of our Circler-led groups, such as Circle of Pride, who are major driving forces for positive change across our business. 

Circle of Pride told us that allyship towards LGBTQIA+ people was important to help Circlers feel a sense of belonging at work. Acting on their feedback we have been providing allyship training for new Circlers and managers for years now, with the help of workplace inclusion empathy specialists Altogether Different. 

What is an ally?

Altogether Different defines an ally as “someone who is not personally part of the marginalised community in question but uses their voice and actions to support people in that community”.

An ally for LGBTQIA+ people will actively fight for the group’s equality and rights, challenge bias and foster inclusivity.

For those who want to be an ally to their LGBTQIA+ colleagues, but don’t know where to start or lack confidence for fear of offending, allyship training is a great starting point.

Why allyship training?

Allyship training has proved invaluable for our business. We recognise the power and value in building a diverse team, where people's skills and personalities complement each other and reflect the customers we are here to help. Different perspectives lead to better outcomes and we see the positive impact of this in our teams every day.

Practical ways allyship training could help your small business 

Allyship training is beneficial for many reasons, both for your staff wellbeing and your bottom line. We see it as a long-term investment in business resilience, reputation and the stability of our workforce. Benefits might include:

• Happier staff – A more inclusive workplace helps employees feel respected, supported, and able to perform at their best

• Stronger business performance – Higher employee engagement, productivity and wellbeing could result in improved business growth

• Staff retention and attraction – When employees feel valued and job satisfaction is high, they are less likely to leave, while top talent might actively seek out your company as a great employer 

• Less conflict – Your business might be at less risk of discrimination, harassment or workplace conflict

• Better communication – When people understand each other better, they are able to work together more productively, collaborate better and harness the power of difference for innovation and creativity

• Compliance – Supports compliance with the UK’s Equality Act 2010, as well as showing a genuine commitment to wider ESG or DEI goals

Tips to get you started 

To help our small business customers Charlotte Butler, Managing Director of Altogether Different, shares some ideas to help you create safe, supportive environments for LGBTQIA+ team members and customers – during Pride month, and all year round:

Be respectful in the way you talk

Talk with respect about the LGBTQIA+ people in your personal life, family members and friends. It is a sign to LGBTQIA+ people in your team or network that you are a ‘safe’ person, who is unlikely to be homophobic.

Wear your badge with Pride

Wearing a Pride or ally badge can seem like a small gesture, but for many LGBTQIA+ people it can carry real meaning. Inclusion is often judged in moments and signals. People are constantly scanning environments to work out whether they are likely to feel safe, respected or judged.

An ally badge can help answer that question, helping LGBTQIA+ people to be open and relaxed in your company, before a conversation has even begun.

Call out discriminatory language

Challenge homophobic, transphobic or discriminatory language and behaviour when you witness it in the workplace and outside of work, too. 

You don’t need to be part of the LGBTQIA+ community to find homophobic and transphobic jokes out of order. Stand up for LGBTQIA+ people who are tired of having to do this for themselves.

Create a safe space by acknowledging difference

LGBTQIA+ people are not one community with one experience. Think different ethnicities, different ages, different religions, different economic backgrounds. Make space for people to talk about their lives in their own words, without being guided by stereotypes.

Invest in learning 

Pride month is about celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community, and the rainbow flags are a reminder of that, but remember, it’s not just a party.

As an ally, it’s also important to invest in learning about the barriers faced by LGBTQIA+ people, not just here in the UK but all over the world. For example, In 64 countries worldwide same-sex relationships are still illegal, imagine being criminalised just for loving someone of the same gender?

Show your support in any way that you can for the LGBTQIA+ people in your life – a bit of care goes a long way.

Resources to help you and your staff become better allies

We know that many small businesses often don’t have the resources to invest in allyship training for their staff. However, there are plenty of free resources online, including:

• Safe Zone Project – A free online resource for powerful, effective LGBT awareness and ally training workshops

• LGBT Inclusion in the Workplace – Provided by Free Courses in England, this online course is available to anyone and provides learners with a certificate on completion   

If you are interested in investing further in allyship training, finance could help you get there quicker. You can check out our full range of options and find finance that best suits your business on our website here. 

01/06/26: While we want to help as much as we can, the information found here is provided solely for informational purposes and should not be considered financial or legal advice. To the extent permitted by law, Funding Circle does not accept any liability for any loss or damage which may arise directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information contained here. If you have any questions, please speak to your professional adviser or seek independent legal advice.