Vincent Francois has helped revolutionise the diversity credentials at Societe Generale in just over two years. Here we find out how the French bank has become an excellent model for other corporate companies to follow.
Can you tell me about your network?
I created the LGB network at Societe Generale back in October 2010. Our name is simple: The Societe Generale LGB Network. The network operates under the umbrella of the Societe Generale UK Diversity Committee, which was awarded the 'Best Diversity Team of the Year' at the inaugural European Diversity Awards in 2011. The Societe Generale LGB Network was shortlisted and came second in the 'Outstanding Network' category last year.
The network has a steering committee which is composed of 10 active members who meet on a monthly basis to discuss LGB news and identify opportunities for activities, the organisation of events and where the LGB network can add value to the company. We have received interest in participating at our events from about 40 members of staff.
The Societe Generale LGB Network has come a long way; we have organised several events and the number of staff registering to the network is continuously growing.
We aim to organise a good mix of events, both informative and entertaining, for all staff with the objective to raise awareness of sexual orientation in the workplace. We also aim for Societe Generale to be recognised as a truly gay-friendly employer, retaining talent and supporting our LGB staff.
What other ways are you working to improve diversity?
This year we organised a joint event with the Family Network, entitled 'Dad, I need to talk to you…', which was a discussion with Colonel David Hopley OBE RM (Rtd) and his son, Alan, who talked about their experiences in coming to terms with Alan's sexuality. The event was attended by over 60 staff members and was a real success.
We recently headline sponsored the Stonewall Summer Party at the Kensington Roof Gardens in London. The event was fantastic and we offered tickets to our members and their partners. The party was attended by our chief country officer, Ian Fisher, and the chair of the UK Diversity Committee, Dania Seiglie. In September we will show the movie about Alan Turing's life, The Code Breaker, to our staff during the Societe Generale UK Diversity Week and have an inspiring guest speaker scheduled during the last quarter of the year.
The LGB network also became a member of the LGBT Interbank Forum in September last year and since then our members have taken an active part in the monthly networking events and drinks, as well as other opportunities organised by other companies.
I represented Societe Generale at the Stonewall Workplace Conference in February this year, which was very valuable and informative.
Finally, for the second year in a row, Societe Generale will be the headline sponsor of the Diversity Careers Show in October 2012 and the sponsor of the 'Charity of the Year Award' at the second edition of the European Diversity Awards, in September 2012.
How has diversity improved at Societe Generale for LGBTs?
I think we have achieved a lot in the last two and half years but there is a lot to do. LGBT issues are still considered taboo in French companies. This does not mean that French companies are not gay-friendly, in fact all our initiatives receive strong support from senior management.
It is well understood that having an LGB network for our staff makes the workplace more inclusive and assists in raising awareness to senior management and staff on the issues faced by LGBT employees in the workplace. The Societe Generale Group places diversity and inclusion at the core of its values.
Each time a staff member inquires about becoming more actively involved with the LGBT network, it really gives me a great feeling that we have helped somebody and that we have reached a new milestone in improving LGBT diversity at Societe Generale.
How did you come out at work?
It actually took me a while as I was afraid that coming out would compromise my career development, especially in the early stages. Before joining Societe Generale, I worked for other banks and some of them had well established LGBT employee networks but I often hesitated about whether I should join or not.
When I was made managing director at Societe Generale, I was assigned an executive coach who quickly realised that I was not entirely being myself and was holding something in. During these meetings I felt comfortable enough to tell her about my sexual orientation and how I was afraid that coming out would harm my career. An example I gave her was where I was invited to a function which included husbands and wives, but where I did not feel comfortable taking my partner with me. We had a few sessions during which we discussed why being myself could be positive for my performance and therefore my career development.
She reassured me that she felt certain that my management would probably understand and be extremely supportive. She also explained how coming out in the workplace could help me feel more included amongst the management team and feel more comfortable, having a positive effect on my performance.
She suggested that I take a small step forward but in fact I summoned the courage to take a giant leap. When I arrived at the next coaching session, I told my coach that I had come out at work, created the LGB network at the bank, become a member of the Diversity Committee and been instrumental in Societe Generale taking headline sponsorship of the Diversity Careers Show and sponsorship of the European Diversity Awards. It was certainly more than she anticipated. My coach could not believe it – I owe her a lot. But I must also say that she was absolutely right; management, senior management and my Diversity Committee colleagues were very supportive. This made me even more proud to work at Societe Generale.
What will you be doing for London Pride / World Pride this year?
Being in London in 2012 is a real privilege: the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the Olympic Games and of course World Pride. We could not miss such an event and, together with a number of members of the LGBT Interbank Forum, the Societe Generale LGB Network members will take an active part in the World Pride march. Let's hope the weather will be good as this promises to be another fantastic event.
What does your role at Societe Generale involve?
My main role at Societe Generale is regional head of internal audit. I manage a team of approximately 35 talented auditors, based in London, and together we cover all the activities of the Societe Generale Group in 12 countries mainly in Europe, Africa and the Middle-East.
My team and my job consists of ensuring that the control environment of the bank's various activities is sound and effective. This is a demanding job, particularly in the current environment but I am lucky enough to have a team of highly skilled and experienced auditors, with a fantastic team spirit.
Have you ever had any difficulties with being gay in the workplace?
No. I thought it would be more difficult than it actually was. It has not been an easy decision to come out but I have never felt discriminated for my sexual orientation at Societe Generale. My advice to others is that you need to be proud of who you are. Of course, some people may not like it but you could actually be quite surprised by the positive reactions of colleagues.
I am proud I did come out. And if this can help others to feel more included in the workplace then that makes me feel that it has all been worthwhile.
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