Diageo once again showcases its commitment as an inclusive global employer with the announcement of its support for the UN Global LGBTI Standards of Conduct for Business.

Established by the United Nations Human Rights Office, the Standards of Conduct support companies in tackling discrimination against lesbian, gay, bi, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people.

At Diageo, they know that for their business to thrive they depend on having diverse talent with a range of backgrounds, skills and capabilities in each of the 180 countries in which they operate and that their employees must reflect their broad consumer base – and, of course, this includes LGBT+ people. Diageo's values, purpose and standards set the conditions for them to respect the unique contribution each person brings.

In April, Diageo became the latest member of Open for Business, a global coalition of businesses committed to advocating for LGBT+ inclusion and championing the benefits of a more diverse and inclusive society. The coalition, which launched in 2015, aims to make and promote a positive business and economic case for LGBT+ rights globally.

“At Diageo we are committed to supporting LGBTI people - from our active Rainbow Network, our work with Smirnoff promoting inclusion, to our membership of organisations like Open for Business. Supporting diversity and inclusion is the right thing to do for our people and the communities in which we operate. I am proud to support the UN’s LGBTI standards.” 
Ivan Menezes, Diageo Chief Executive and Chairman of Movement to Work

About the UN Global LGBTI Standards of Conduct for Business

The United Nations Human Rights Office has developed five Standards of Conduct to support the business community in tackling discrimination against lesbian, gay, bi, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people. Companies are encouraged to endorse, use, and refer to these Standards and promote their use by others.

The Standards, produced in collaboration with the Institute for Human Rights and Business, build on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and reflect the input of hundreds of companies across diverse sectors.

The UN Global LGBTI Standards of Conduct for Business stems from the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which in 2011 were endorsed by the UN Human Rights Council, which affirms that every business has a responsibility to respect human rights and address any adverse human rights impacts of their operations.

Find out more about the UN Global LGBTI Standards of Conduct for Business here.

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