The Borough of Gravesham has a long history of social integration. Ours is a multihued and widely diverse population which has a long tradition of welcoming and enfolding new ideas and new cultures. However, despite having a large LGBTQIA+ population in the Borough of Gravesham, we do not have adequate representation and support within the area.
2019 saw the largest number of Pride events held throughout the globe, and as a result LGBTQIA+ residents throughout the Borough of Gravesham began to show interest in holding their own.
A public meeting was held in March 2019 to organise our own Pride event leading to the election of a core committee which grew in number as the project progressed.
Gravesham Pride is a registered Community Interest Company (No. 12069934) operated by volunteers.
Our History
2020
When the World Stopped, Pride Didn't.
Gravesham Pride CIC had big plans for a physical Pride event in 2020, but when the pandemic hit, those plans were cancelled. Undeterred, we partnered with Medway Pride CIC to deliver Kent’s first-ever virtual Pride event. It was a groundbreaking success, attracting over 10,000 viewers from not only the local area but 32 different countries across the globe.
2021
500 Tickets. 4 Days. One Incredible Community.
Gravesham Pride CIC managed to plan and hold a physical Pride event which was covid cautions in nature offering limited free tickets and did not include a traditional foot march. This event was highly successful with all 500 free tickets being registered for within 4 days of release and approximately 1000 people on the waiting list.
2022
Finally We Marched Together With Pride!
Gravesham Pride CIC held our first full-scale event, including the long-awaited traditional foot march, took place in 2022. Despite the disruption caused by National Rail strikes, 2,065 free tickets were reserved.
2023
When Everything Was Against Us, We Chose Pride.
Gravesham Pride CIC experienced a massive blow in late 2022 when we fell victim to a significant financial fraud leaving our 2023 event in jeopardy. However, the committee decided to pool together their personal finances to ensure Pride could still go ahead. Even though the public only had five weeks' notice, 1839 free tickets were reserved.
2024
From Surviving to Thriving!
Gravesham Pride CIC experienced strong community support for a 2024 event which reinforced the value of Pride within Borough. The event was popular with 1,938 free tickets being reserved despite a growing negative political climate at the time.
2025
A Year of Reflection. A Future Full of Promise.
In 2025, external pressures, changing operating conditions and financial constraints meant we made the difficult decision not to hold a Pride event. While there was no celebration that year, the continued public demand and encouragement from our community made one thing clear. Gravesham Pride was deeply missed and eagerly awaited.
2026
We're Back!
After a year's pause, Gravesham Pride returns in 2026, bringing our community back together once again. With renewed determination and incredible support from our volunteers, partners and supporters, we're proud to continue building a Pride that reflects the strength, diversity and spirit of Gravesham.
How We Work
Gravesham Pride CIC is a volunteer-led Community Interest Company (CIC) established to benefit the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies across Gravesham and beyond.
We are committed to creating safe, inclusive and welcoming spaces where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and kindness. Everything we do is guided by our values, our commitment to equality, and our belief that Pride belongs to everyone.
As a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, our organisation exists solely to benefit the community. Any surplus income is reinvested into delivering our charitable objectives, ensuring that our work continues to make a positive and lasting impact for the people we serve.
We believe that strong governance and transparency are fundamental to building trust. Because Gravesham Pride is created by the community, for the community, we believe everyone should be able to understand how we operate, how decisions are made, and the standards we hold ourselves accountable to.
This Governance & Policy Hub brings together the documents that guide our organisation. They set out our governance framework, our policies, our legal responsibilities and the expectations we have of everyone who represents Gravesham Pride CIC.
These documents help us ensure that our organisation is:
- Well governed and accountable
- Safe, inclusive and accessible
- Fair, transparent and ethical
- Compliant with UK legislation and recognised good practice
- Committed to continuous improvement
Our policies are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain current, effective and aligned with changes in legislation, guidance and the needs of our community.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about how Gravesham Pride CIC operates and the principles that guide everything we do.
This handbook brings together the information, guidance and policies that help us run Gravesham Pride CIC with integrity, inclusion and pride.
Governance Handbook
GP01 – Code of Conduct
GP01 – Code of Conduct establishes the standards of behaviour expected from everyone representing Gravesham Pride CIC. It promotes respect, inclusion, professionalism and accountability, helping to ensure that all activities are carried out in a safe, welcoming and ethical manner.
GP02 – Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility (EDIA) Policy sets out Gravesham Pride CIC's commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming and accessible organisation for everyone. It explains how we promote equality, celebrate diversity, remove barriers to participation and ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity, fairness and respect
GP02 – Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility (EDIA)
GP03 – Safeguarding Policy
GP03 – Safeguarding Policy sets out how Gravesham Pride CIC protects children, young people and adults at risk during our activities and events. It explains our safeguarding responsibilities, how concerns should be reported and managed, and our commitment to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can participate with confidence.
GP04 – Conflict of Interest Policy explains how Gravesham Pride CIC identifies, declares and manages conflicts of interest to protect the integrity of our decision-making. It helps ensure that Directors, volunteers and anyone acting on behalf of the organisation always act in the best interests of Gravesham Pride CIC and the communities we serve.
GP04 – Conflict of Interest Policy
GP05 – Confidentiality & Data Protection Policy explains how Gravesham Pride CIC protects personal, confidential and sensitive information. It sets out our responsibilities for handling information securely, respecting privacy and complying with data protection legislation.
GP05 – Confidentiality & Data Protection Policy
GP06 – Speaking Up (Whistleblowing) Policy encourages anyone involved with Gravesham Pride CIC to raise genuine concerns about wrongdoing, unsafe practice or misconduct without fear of unfair treatment. It explains how concerns can be reported and how they will be managed appropriately.
GP06 – Speaking Up (Whistleblowing) Policy
GP07 – Complaints & Concerns Policy explains how individuals can raise concerns or make a complaint about Gravesham Pride CIC, our activities or the way we operate. It outlines our commitment to handling complaints fairly, transparently and with a focus on learning and continuous improvement.
GP07 – Complaints & Concerns Policy
GP08 – Volunteer Management Policy explains how Gravesham Pride CIC recruits, supports, develops and recognises volunteers. It sets out our commitment to creating a positive volunteering experience where everyone feels valued, supported and able to contribute safely and effectively.
GP08 – Volunteer Management Policy
GP09 – Volunteer Code of Conduct
GP09 – Volunteer Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected from everyone volunteering with Gravesham Pride CIC. It promotes respect, teamwork, professionalism and accountability, helping volunteers create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for our community.
GP10 – Health, Safety & Safe Working Policy
GP10 – Health, Safety & Safe Working Policy explains how Gravesham Pride CIC manages health and safety across all of our activities and events. It outlines our commitment to protecting volunteers, contractors, attendees and the wider public by promoting safe working practices and effective risk management.
GP11 – Risk Management Policy
GP11 – Risk Management Policy explains how Gravesham Pride CIC identifies, assesses and manages risks that could affect our organisation, events or community. It supports informed decision-making and helps ensure that risks are managed proportionately and responsibly.
GP12 – Financial Management Policy
GP12 – Financial Management Policy sets out how Gravesham Pride CIC manages its finances responsibly, transparently and with appropriate oversight. It explains how we safeguard our assets, authorise expenditure and ensure that all funds are used to support our charitable and community objectives.
GP13 – Document Control & Records Management Policy
GP13 – Document Control & Records Management Policy explains how Gravesham Pride CIC creates, manages, stores and retains organisational documents and records. It helps ensure that information is accurate, secure, accessible and managed in accordance with good governance principles.
GP14 – Communications, Branding & Social Media Policy
GP14 – Communications, Branding & Social Media Policy sets out how Gravesham Pride CIC communicates with our community, partners and the public. It explains how we protect our reputation, use our branding consistently and ensure that all communications are accurate, respectful, inclusive and accessible.
GP16 – Event Governance & Delivery Policy
GP16 – Event Governance & Delivery Policy sets out the framework for planning, approving, delivering and reviewing all events organised by Gravesham Pride CIC. It ensures that every event is managed safely, professionally and in line with our values, supporting consistent, inclusive and well-governed event delivery.
GP15 – Environmental Sustainability Policy
GP15 – Environmental Sustainability Policy explains how Gravesham Pride CIC seeks to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainable practices. It outlines our commitment to responsible event delivery, reducing waste, protecting public spaces and continually improving our environmental performance.