For the twelfth year in a row, Leicestershire County Council is proud to reveal its place in Stonewall’s list of 100 top LGBTQ+ friendly employers in the UK.
Placing 48th in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, the list recognises the top 100 employers who show their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion safety and visibility in the workplace.
As the UK’s most prominent LGBTQ+ rights organisation, Stonewall has given the county council the prestigious Gold award for their “excellence in providing an inclusive and welcoming environment.”
Work to continue the longstanding commitment to being an inclusive employer has included a number of initiatives including the promotion of LGBTQ+ History Month to residents, as well as a staff webinar to encourage conversation across the county council about trans and non-binary lives.
Leicestershire County Council is the second highest ranking council on the list and joins several other public bodies, construction, legal, health, educational and financial firms in receiving the award.
The county council has placed in Stonewall’s top 100 list every year since 2011. There was no list released in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Councillor Pam Posnett, cabinet member for community and staff relations, said: “We are delighted that Stonewall have once again placed us to be one of the best and most inclusive employers for LGBTQ+ colleagues. We’re also proud to be on this list for the twelfth consecutive year, which highlights our commitment to make sure that our workplace is an environment where everyone should feel they can thrive.”
Stonewall’s own research has shown that 20% of LGBTQ+ people are the target of negative comments at work and feel they are limited in their job opportunities, whilst over one-third feel they need to hide who they are at work.
Leicestershire County Council joins other public sector bodies and a number of private companies in various industries including legal and construction on the Workplace Equality Index. The Index and more information about Stonewall can be found at www.stonewall.org.uk.