LGBT charity, Stonewall has revealed the first ever Top 100 list of Britain’s top trans-inclusive employers.
Stonewall’s annual review has this year, for the first time, marked employers specifically on trans inclusivity, in addition to their work on lesbian, gay and bi inclusive policies.
The National Assembly for Wales has taken the number one spot for the first time, after coming fifth in last year’s list.
The Assembly, as well as having a range of inclusive policies and practices for lesbian, gay and bi staff, has this year introduced a raft of measures to improve the workplace for trans staff.
Examples include updating their workplace systems to offer an Mx title as well as a space for staff to give their own gender term on forms.
The Assembly have also introduced gender-neutral facilities across the entire organisation and created innovative and inclusive training and policies that demonstrate a true commitment to LGBT, including non-binary, staff.
Each year, Stonewall also names individuals and groups who have made a significant contribution to LGBT inclusion in their workplace. View the full list here.
Stonewall’s Top 100 is compiled from submissions to the Workplace Equality Index, a powerful benchmarking tool used by employers to assess their achievements and progress on LGBT equality in the workplace.
More than 430 organisations took part in this year’s index.
Each organisation must demonstrate their expertise in 10 areas of employment policy and practice, including networking groups, senior leadership, procurement and how well they’ve engaged with the LGBT community.
The top ten list of LGBT-inclusive employers
- National Assembly for Wales
- Pinsent Masons
- Gentoo
- Chesire Fire and Rescue Service
- Lloyds Banking Group
- Baker McKenzie
- Berwin Leighton Paisner
- Citi
- Newcastle City Council
- Victim Support
Speaking about coming top of the list, Elin Jones AM, Llywydd of the National Assembly for Wales said, “We are truly honoured to be recognised by Stonewall as the leading employer for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.”
“The National Assembly has diversity and inclusion at the very heart of its role representing the people of Wales.”
‘We are proud to support our LGBT staff network and continue to work to create an inclusive culture – not only for the people who work here but for the people we represent across all Wales’ diverse communities.
‘As Wales’ parliament, it is right that we should lead by example to demonstrate what can be achieved with the right attitudes, leadership and determination.”
Ruth Hunt, Stonewall’s Chief Executive said, “At a time when LGBT people are subject to profound discrimination and abuse, both in and out of the workplace, our LGBT-inclusive employers are a welcome beacon of hope that a positive future is possible.”
“The National Assembly for Wales is a trailblazer for equality, especially for trans equality, and we’d like other organisations to look at the straightforward, positive actions they have taken and follow the example they have set.”
“Creating a workplace environment that accepts everyone isn’t just the right thing to do, it makes good business sense.”
“When staff feel comfortable, happy and understood they will, of course, perform much better than if they’re having to hide who they are, or if they’re scared to go to work for fear of abuse.”
“All leaders, managers – all of us as colleagues – can stand up for LGBT people in the workplace and play a part.”
“We can play a part in changing our workplaces and our communities so that all LGBT people are accepted without exception.”
