_Knight Frank’s LGBTQ+ co-chairs on the importance of championing diversity, equity and inclusion
At Knight Frank, our ambition is that every member of our team feels that they can be themselves and be respected for being so. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is supported by a framework of initiatives across the business.
Kat Draper, Associate Business Partner for Internal Communications, and Jason Mansfield, Associate Partner for US Residential Sales, are co-chairs of Knight Frank’s LGBTQ+ network. Here, they share some of the actions they’ve taken to champion DE&I at Knight Frank and their plans for the future.
Kat Draper and Jason Mansfield
What are your roles at Knight Frank?
Kat Draper, Internal Communications Business Partner.
Jason Mansfield, US Residential Sales.
How did you get involved in championing DE&I at Knight Frank?
We're co-chairs of Knight Out, the LGBTQ+ Network at Knight Frank.
Why did you become interested in this area?
We felt strongly that there were areas to improve on LGBTQ+ inclusion at Knight Frank, and we were keen to support the firm in understanding what that looks like and being a voice for LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies.
What does Diversity, Equity & Inclusion mean to you and why is it important?
True inclusion means people can bring their whole selves to work, and they don’t have to think about how they’ll be perceived or reacted to. They can put all their energy in a work day into doing their job and providing the best advice and service to colleagues and clients.
What initiatives or steps have you taken to champion diversity & inclusion in the workplace?
- Worked with HR and IT to provide pronouns on email signatures
- Introduced a Trans inclusion at work policy
- Collaborated with HR to ensure we're using inclusive language in our policies
- Developed annual Pride and LGBTQ+ History month campaigns to celebrate and educate on LGBTQ+ experiences and identities
- Produced educational webinars
- Set up quarterly LGBTQ+ network meetings
- Signpost employees to LGBTQ+ charities and services to support them or their friends and families
- Held roadshow for offices and departments to raise awareness of the network and the partnership support of LGBTQ+ employees
What future activities are you working on?
- Improving diversity data collection to ensure we have an accurate understanding of the diversity landscape and ensure we are supporting all our colleagues.
- Planning Pride 2023
- Supporting allies through training and resources.
What do you like to do outside Knight Frank?
We’re both keen hikers, and most weekends, we’re out in the countryside.
Jason: I'm a prolific traveller, always finding new art galleries and exhibitions to go to.
Kat: Sport takes up my 'out of office' time. I enjoy playing tag rugby, horse-riding, kayaking and hiking.
Watch Knight Frank's 2022 Pride video below: