Diversity and Inclusion
The Liberal Democrats believe in a modern Britain of genuine openness and equality without exception. We champion a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect irrespective of their background, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or any other part of an individual's identity.
We have long and proud history of standing up for what's right; we are the party that successfully fought for same-sex marriage, gender pay gap reporting and ensured that upskirting was outlawed. But the fight doesn't stop there, today we are challenging the gender price gap, fighting to prevent another Windrush Scandal and proudly standing up for Trans rights.
Members and Staff
Our organisation welcomes and encourages diversity within our membership and staff. Our aim is that our membership will be truly representative of all sections of society and each member feels able to contribute and participate in whatever way they wish to. We are therefore committed to being inclusive in all aspects of the work that we do, whether that is formulating policy, organising Party conferences, providing support for candidates, or running local campaigns.
Step up & Stand
We know that the Party needs to reflect the people and communities that it represents, and that is why we are focused on improving the diversity of our MPs in Parliament. So, If you are member of an underrepresented group and are even half-considering becoming a candidate we want to hear from you. You don't have to have years of political experience just a passion to change things for the better. Here's how you can become a candidate.
Vice President
Isabelle Parasram is the party's Vice President. Isabelle works to champion diversity and increase engagement with BAME communities at various levels across the party. As Vice President, Isabelle works with various Federal and State bodies responsible for delivering diverse representation both internally and externally. The Vice President also works to attract and recruit members from BAME backgrounds with the goal of ensuring that these members are empowered to with the necessary skills and knowledge to be become meaningfully involved within the party.
Racial Diversity Campaign
The Racial Diversity Campaign (RDC) is the vehicle in the party which finds, trains and supports BAME candidates through to their candidate approval, selection and election. Its principal aim is to increase the number of ethnic minorities standing to become MPs, MSPs, MEPs, Assembly Members, elected Mayors and Police and Crime Commissioners. It also work alongside Th Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors (ALDC) to increase the number of ethnic minority Councillors and Council Leaders.
Campaign for Gender Balance
The Campaign for Gender Balance (CGB) exists to develop and support women interested in standing for public office within the Liberal Democrats. CGB organises some of the party's best training which includes Inspiration Days and Future Women MP's Weekends. CGB also offers approval and selection mentoring for any woman interested in kick-starting their candidate journey.
Regions & Local Parties
We know the importance of connecting and engaging with all communities. We have a network of Regional Diversity Champions and local party Diversity Officers who facilitate outreach and support work across regions and local communties.
Much of diversity work is overseen by The Federal People Development Committee (FPDC) which brings together three key functions of the party: training, diversity engagement, and membership recruitment, retention and activation.
Learn more about these roles and diversity structures here.
Party Organisations
There are a number of key organisations or groups within the Party that share or support a particular identity, interest, belief or cause, including groups for Women, Youth and Students, Ethnic Minorities, LGBT+ and many more. These are called Specified Associated Organisations (SAOs) or Associated Organisations (AOs). These bodies also play an important role in campaigning on specialist issues, media presence, and outreach with particular groups.
Alderdice Review
At the request of the Party President and the Federal Executive, Lord Alderdice conducted an independent inquiry into improving process and culture within the Liberal Democrats with a particular focus on race and ethnicity. The review examined the issues and/or barriers faced by BAME members and supporters and helped to determine what the party could do to take action in this specific area. Read the review here.