Polly Shute

Polly Shute is a partnership and sponsorship expert, formerly having worked as a Board Member of Pride in London for four years. Now the Co-founder of Out and Wild Festival, Polly is passionate to connect the LGBTQIA community and create inclusive events across the country. Having been named as one of the OUTstanding Top 20 LGBT Public Sector Leaders, Polly is now a popular LGBT speaker, covering a variety of LGBTQIA and gender issues.

Beginning her career in marketing, working as the Format Marketing Manager for Sainsbury’s, Polly has since forged a successful career in sponsorship and fundraising roles. She has formerly been the Fundraising and Campaign Project Director for the British Heart Foundation and the Fundraising and Communications Director for vinspired. She has also been the Director of Sponsorships & Partnerships for Pride in London and an Interim Executive Fundraising Director for Together for Short Lives. Polly also leads on partnerships for PinkNews, the world’s most read LGBTQ+ media title. As part of this role, she runs a Business Community that connects and supports ERG and EDI leads across the UK.

Other prominent roles of Polly’s have included being a Partnership Director for DIVA Media Group, developing inclusion initiatives with brands such as Tesco and L’Oreal and developing the Lesbian Visibility Week, and an EDI Consultant for EW Group, delivering EDI strategies for clients such as Mercedes F1 and Pride Sports. Active in the LGBT+ community for over 10 years, Polly was named as one of the OUTstanding Top 20 LGBT Public Sector Leaders. Her commitment to the LGBT community, diversity and inclusion have seen Polly honoured with awards such as the 2019 Social Purpose Award, the 2013 Most Innovative Fundraising Campaign award and recognition on both the Pride Power List and DIVA Power List.

Now booked as an LGBTQ speaker for a variety of corporate and public events, Polly has formerly spoken and presented on a variety of issues concerning inclusion and equality. This includes speaking on national media channels including BBC, ITV and Radio 4, as well as hosting stages and being part of panel discussions. With former experience on the Pride of London board and creating EDI strategies for leading brands, book Polly Shute for an insightful and open speech.