Olivia Butterworth becomes co-chair

To mark International Women's Day and the start of LBT Women's Health Week, LGBT Foundation is pleased to announce that we have moved to a Co-chair arrangement for our Board of Trustees. Olivia Butterworth, previously Deputy Chair, has joined Smyth Harper, previously Chair, in an equal arrangement as Co-chairs. It is incredibly important that the senior leadership of our organisation is as diverse as possible and that it reflects the communities that we serve. By moving to a Co-chair arrangement we can better ensure that women's voices are present throughout all levels of the organisation.

The Board of Trustees is ultimately responsible for LGBT Foundation's activities and sets the strategic direction of the charity. The Co-chairs are responsible for the leadership of the Board and delegate responsibility for the day-to-day management of the charity to the Chief Executive.

Olivia Butterworth says:

"I am passionate that all LBT women have a voice with equity and influence so I am incredibly delighted that we at LGBT Foundation are taking action to address this in our innovative decision to move to a Co-chair arrangement for our Board of Trustees. The visibility of women is even more essential as we work through challenging issues where many seek to divide us, I am determined to stand up and champion women’s equality for all women."

Smyth Harper says:

"Over a number of months we have worked hard to build a board which reflects the rich diversity of our community. I’m really proud of the progress we have made on this as we now have a board that has a wonderful mix of skills, personalities, experience and diversity. 

Moving to a co-chair arrangement sends out a clear signal about our commitment as both a board and an organisation to inclusivity. It reflects wider work that has been done at LGBT Foundation to demonstrate our commitment to be there for all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people and to fight for everyone in our community to have a voice and ensure that voice is heard."

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Published: 12-Mar-2020: (5813)