Proud Employers
What is Proud Employers?
Proud Employers is Stonewall’s sector leading programme designed to support organisations in creating truly LGBTQ+ inclusive workplaces. It combines membership benefits, expert consultancy, training, accreditation and networking opportunities to help you embed inclusion across your operations.
As a member you get access to expert consultancy, evidence-based training materials, accreditation tools and peer networking.
Investing in LGBTQ+ inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s good for business
Join hundreds of forward-thinking organisations using the Proud Employers programme to attract and retain top LGBTQ+ talent, boost employee engagement, improve innovation and drive business success through inclusive practices. Research from Talent Dynamics shows that companies with diverse leadership teams outperform their competitors by a
remarkable 36%.
Inclusion drives performance, creating tangible, positive outcomes for every organisation. We help employers realise the full benefits of LGBTQ+ inclusion for everyone in their ecosystem through proven tools, guidance and support. Read more about why LGBTQ+ inclusion is essential in today's workplace.
Inclusive teams outperform non-inclusive teams in business decision-making.
Higher performance in workplaces with diverse leadership.
Organisations with an inclusive culture are 2x more likely to achieve better business outcomes.
Why work with Stonewall
As a trusted provider for hundreds of organisations committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion, we bring over 20 years of experience to deliver expert guidance, practical tools and proven training. Our tailored solutions have been adopted by hundreds of organisations - across public, private and third sectors, from small teams, public authorities and FTSE 100 companies.
As a leading voice in LGBTQ+ advocacy, we’ve shaped national conversations and influenced landmark policies, ensuring inclusion is not just a value but a standard. By aligning with Stonewall, leaders gain access to expert guidance and stay ahead of legislative and social developments, ensuring their organisation is not only progressing but leading the way.
Crucially, working with Stonewall means your organisation is directly supporting LGBTQ+ communities. As a charity, all income generated through our programmes is reinvested into our mission, funding vital campaigns, research and shaping the legislation that challenge discrimination, and improve the lives of LGBTQ+ communities.
When you work with us, you’re not only strengthening inclusion within your organisation you’re supporting a cause driven approach that makes a difference in real people’s lives.
How inclusive is your workplace
Take our quick inclusion health check to see where your organisation is making progress and where there’s room to improve.
Proud Employer benefits: what’s included with membership?
Our membership gives you access to a comprehensive package of proven tools, guidance and support and to advance LGBTQ+ inclusion in your workplace. Here are the benefits you'll receive:
Inclusion resources
- Rich library of downloadable training materials to drive workplace inclusion
- Monthly webinars with in-house inclusion experts
- A monthly newsletter packed with updates and events
Expert guidance
- Proud Employers Accreditation (worth £1,500)
- Up to 8 hours of personalised consultancy to tackle your organisation’s unique challenges
- Unlimited helpdesk access for ongoing expert support
Networking
- Exclusive, members only events to connect with inclusion leaders
- Private member forum for peer learning, advice, and expert support from a trusted professional network
Download the Trends Report
Discover how top organisations are embedding inclusion.
This exclusive resource from the Proud Employers Hub is usually available only to members, now you can access it for free.
What our organisations says
“Working with Stonewall has provided us with a strong, clear, and professional framework, which has been the key strategic focus for our Pride Network committee for the last 6 years and really has helped us focus on the things that matter to our LGBTQ+ colleagues. Through learning from and working with Stonewall, there is no doubt in my mind that the partnership has had a lasting and positive impact.”
“As part of our EDI commitment Teesside University is part of Stonewalls Diversity Champions Programme. Working with Stonewall has had a significant positive impact at the University. The programme has worked with the University to ensure that LGBTQ+ staff can bring their whole selves to work and be PROUD!”
Join the Proud Employers programme
We bring decades of experience meaning with our support, workplaces can attract and retain talent, improve performance and achieve long-term success. Join the programme to unlock the full benefits of inclusion today.
- Access to monthly webinars
- High-quality training materials
- Networking with like minded organisations
- 20% off Stonewall training
- Accreditation pathway
- Monthly newsletter
Proud Employers FAQs
- What does membership cost?
Membership varies depending on your organisation’s size and needs. We offer competitive pricing, and as a charity, we keep our costs low. All income is reinvested to make a real difference for the LGBTQ+ community.
Get in touch to find out the right membership for your organisation and how we can help you embed meaningful inclusion.
- What resources can I access?
At the heart of the programme is high-quality, evidence-based training and materials that cover a wide range of areas of good practice.
As a member, you’ll get:
- A rich library resources on key inclusion topics, including:
- Embedding LGBTQ+ inclusion across all policies
- Attracting, recruiting, supporting, and developing diverse talent
- Toolkits for securing senior buy-in and setting up LGBTQ+ employee networks
- Exclusive global inclusion resources showcasing the latest good practice
- Monthly newsletter with insights, policy updates, and member-only events
- Monthly webinars on key inclusion topics, free for your team to attend
- Access to the Proud Employers Hub with 5 logins for your organisation
- A rich library resources on key inclusion topics, including:
- How does the helpdesk work?
Our helpdesk gives your organisation unlimited access to expert guidance on LGBTQ+ inclusion. Whether you have a quick question or need practical advice on policies and or best practice, our team is here to support you. You also get 8 hours of consultancy.
To contact the Proud Employers helpdesk, simply email us at proud.employers@stonewall.org.uk.
We are available on weekdays 9am – 5pm and we will respond to your enquiry within two working days.
- How often are networking events held?
You and your team can eny free access to monthly webinar. We also regular hold conferences and networking events, all part of your Proud Employers membership.
- How do I join the programme?
Joining is easy. Simply fill out the form below. We will ask you a few questions and then we will get in contact to discuss your options and start your workplace inclusion journey.
- How many people can make use of member benefits?
You can register up to five email addresses to receive correspondence from us and log in to access resources, you can add up to five accounts to our online forums. You also receive up to five spaces at webinars and networking events - these spaces can be allocated to anyone in your organisation, they do not have to be the same accounts that receive correspondence from us.
- What does the Proud Employers Programme include?
Our tried and tested products include our Proud Employers membership programme, expert-led inclusion training and tailored consultancy,
providing everything you need to embed inclusion and unlock its full benefits. Our accreditation sets the gold standard, enabling you to measure progress and visibly demonstrate your commitment to inclusion across your entire ecosystem.
- What is the Proud Employers Accreditation?
The Proud Employers Accreditation is the definitive benchmarking tool and kitemark for assessing your progress on LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace.
Each year, participating employers demonstrate their work in different areas of employment policy and practice.
Participation in the Index is free for members of the Proud Employers programme and you’ll receive support with your submission, detailed feedback, an action planning meeting and a trends report.
Those who achieve one of four levels of accreditation can publicly celebrate this and make use of the accreditation logo to signal their commitment to inclusion. You can find out more here.
- I’d like to implement something new in my workplace, who should I talk to for advice?
You can make use of your consultancy hours to access expert advice on LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace. Please email the team and we will put you in touch with an inclusion expert.
