Vodafone UK engineer shines as LGBT+ role model

OUTstanding honours software engineer James d’Rozario for a second year in a row.

James d’Rozario, a software engineer at Vodafone UK, has been honoured with an entry on the OUTstanding LGBT+ Future Leaders list. James was also on last year’s list which highlights LGBT+ business leaders and allies who work to create more inclusive workplaces.

James is the London chair of Vodafone’s LGBT+ Friends Network, a group which helps shape and improve the company’s policies and training. Outside of Vodafone, James is working with Stonewall to create a mobile app that LGBT+ people worldwide can use to report hate crimes, receive information and get support.

James said: “Being named a Global LGBT+ Future Leader isn’t just personal recognition, but recognition for everyone across Vodafone who has offered their time, energy and enthusiasm to help me drive inclusion.

“I’m particularly proud of the work we did to give voices to those at intersections who aren’t always offered a platform, particularly our webinars on the intersection of LGBT+ with race, gender and faith.

“It’s this approach, of willingness to listen and change, that I believe makes Vodafone a trailblazer for inclusion in the technology industry.

“In the especially challenging climate of the last 12 months we’ve not only been encouraged by Vodafone to raise difficult topics but also to tackle them head-on, companywide, with senior management. It’s this approach, of willingness to listen and change, that I believe makes Vodafone a trailblazer for inclusion in the technology industry.”

Vodafone UK’s efforts as a LGBT-inclusive employer have been recognised by Stonewall, which ranked the company highly in its 2020 Workplace Equality Index at number 19. Vodafone UK also supports its trans customers with help such as a simplified Name Change process.