Employee Networks

Everyone ought to feel comfortable bringing their full selves to work. Since its launch in March 2018, the LGBT+ Network has been supporting this belief through an inclusive culture and open working environment, which commands respect for all employees, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. This is supported all-year round through a plethora of initiatives aimed at encouraging conversation and engagement on LGBT+ matters within the firm and beyond. Comprising both LGBT+ colleagues and allies, the Network also offers guidance to staff and ensures policies and procedures are LGBT+ inclusive.

The group was formed in the summer of 2017 with the goal of raising awareness of mental health. It promotes a workplace that supports the mental wellbeing of all staff and aims to normalise and destigmatise mental health conversations, including through personal storytelling. Focused on both support and prevention, the group has implemented training for leaders and people managers (including engaging with the Samaritans to onboard the Wellbeing in the Workplace online learning programme), created new mental health principles adopted by the business, and established a Mental Health Supporters programme. This programme now consists of over 55 individuals from across the business, all of whom have undergone training to help them support their colleagues in times of need. In 2021, Baillie Gifford joined the Charter for Employers Positive about Mental Health.

Our Wellbeing Group, established in 2018, works hard to ensure that there is a broad range of activities and initiatives on offer for staff, which aim to contribute towards positive wellbeing. From free fruit and twice weekly yoga and tai chi classes in our office, to a Baillie Gifford choir and running club, the wellbeing offerings take many forms.

The Multicultural Network was set up in 2019 with the mission to celebrate, promote and support cultural diversity within Baillie Gifford. By planning events that celebrate our community such as a multicultural food week, the Group hopes to educate and engage staff on cultural diversity.

The Working Families and Carers Network was formed in 2020 to help support all working parents and unpaid carers within Baillie Gifford, and the network has three main aims. First, to create a support network and foster a culture of understanding and respect for all working parents and unpaid carers within the organisation. Second, to share, promote and champion Baillie Gifford family-friendly and carer policies and guidance by collaborating with HR, ensuring that all staff know the ways in which BG is an inclusive place to work. Finally, to work with key stakeholders to provide support throughout the parental journey, including preparing for parental leave all the way through to the return to work transition and beyond.

The Neurodiversity Group was established in 2020 and aims to celebrate the diverse ways in which human brains and minds are wired. The Group hopes to help promote an environment which makes it easier for staff members to talk about neurodiversity, whether from their own perspective or of that as a carer.

The BShe Network, founded in 2022, has three main aims. The first is to enhance Baillie Gifford’s approach to support all who identify as women in their career progression at Baillie Gifford. The second is to build awareness and source active allies across Baillie Gifford, opening the network to all employees. In doing all the above, the goal is to eventually elevate Baillie Gifford’s external reputation as a leader in gender diversity.