Stonewall names University of Leicester one of Britain's top 100 LGBT-inclusive employers

University of Leicester ranks 72^nd on LGBT charity's annual list of inclusive employers.

The University of Leicester has been named one of the most inclusive employers in Britain by lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality charity Stonewall in its Top 100 Employers list for 2019. The University of Leicester has been ranked 72^nd on this year’s list placing it in the top 10 of Universities.

This year’s Top 100 was the largest ever with 445 employers entering, demonstrating their commitment to LGBT workplace inclusion.

As part of the Top 100, Stonewall collects more than 92,000 anonymous responses from employees on their experience of Britain’s workplace culture and diversity. An overwhelming 93 per cent of non-LGBT employees who responded to the survey, say they understand why their employer is committed to LGBT equality.

Professor Paul Boyle CBE, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, said: “I’m incredibly proud that we have been recognised for the hard work that has gone into supporting our LGBT staff and students. Our University culture is about respecting, valuing and celebrating the difference of all our employees and students. This is testament to not only the work of our equality and diversity team, but also the individual work of those people on the ground, in the Students’ Union, and in our LGBT forum, who are continually pushing through new initiatives and events. We look forward to continuing to work together in our ambition to be a truly inclusive place to work and study.”

Last year, Stonewall released research that revealed more than a third of LGBT staff (35 per cent) have hidden they are LGBT at work and almost one in five LGBT employees (18 per cent) have been the target of negative comments from colleagues because of their identity.

Darren Towers, Stonewall’s Executive Director said: "The University of Leicester and all those who have made this year’s Top 100 Employers list are making a huge difference to workplaces, services and communities across the UK. LGBT-inclusive employers play a crucial role in changing society by using their power and influence to protect and support LGBT people. More than a third of LGBT staff (35 per cent) still hide their identity at work for fear of discrimination; that has an impact on productivity, wellbeing and more and shows we still have lots to do. However, with organisations like the University of Leicester displaying such a strong commitment to LGBT equality, we are one step closer to creating a world where all lesbian, gay, bi and trans employees are welcomed and accepted without exception."

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, as well as their wider work in the community and on service provision.

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 LGBT communities.

• As part of the month long celebration of diversity in the UK's most diverse city, the University of Leicester is hosting a series of events in February to raise awareness and educate on matters that affect the LGBT+ community. From film screenings to panel discussions, all events are free and many are open to the public. More information about LGBT+ History Month at the University of Leicester.