Media Releases

• Newcastle City Council is first ever local authority to claim number one spot

• Education, legal and government dominate Top 100

• Most competitive Top 100 ever with 503 submissions

Newcastle City Council has been revealed to be the most inclusive employer in the UK by lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality charity Stonewall in its 2020 Top 100 Employers list. The council has become the first local authority to ever reach the pole position since Stonewall started its annual ranking back sixteen years ago.

The council, who came fifth in the 2019 list and has been the highest-ranking local authority for the last three years, claimed the top spot this year for their commitment to equality. LGBT inclusion is embedded across all areas of their work, from employee HR policies to recruitment processes and all internal communications.

Newcastle City Council ran numerous events over the year, including their ‘7 days of Pride’ campaign, supporting and highlighting the LGBT community in the run up to Newcastle Pride. They also put on events to mark other visibility days such as Bi Visibility Day, International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) and Trans Day of Remembrance.

Cllr Joyce McCarty, Deputy Leader of Newcastle City Council, said: ‘I’m incredibly proud that our commitment to inclusivity has been recognised with this accolade, and it is a fantastic achievement for us to be the first local authority to be named as Stonewall’s Employer of the Year.

‘But this is really an award for everybody in our city who shows us every day that we are all equal and that our great city accepts everyone. Newcastle is a safe and welcoming city and the North East in general does a great deal to champion the LGBT community. We are all eagerly anticipating the fantastic opportunity to demonstrate this by being the host city for UK Pride 2020.

‘It is part of the core values of Newcastle City Council that we are all equal and I would like to thank all our amazing staff for putting these beliefs into practice and creating an outstanding workplace where everybody feels comfortable to be who they are.’

Housing association Gentoo Group came in second place, followed by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (3 in 2019).

The Top 100 is the UK’s leading list ranking employers from public, private and third sectors on how inclusive their workplaces are and is intensively competitive – with more than 500 organisations vying for a place this year.

Law firm DWF received special commendation as this year’s Bi-Inclusive Employer of the Year. DWF hosted a bi inclusion seminar for all staff, supported Bi Visibility Day and shared resources with staff about the barriers bi people face. Stonewall research shows why bi inclusion is needed with half of bi men (49 per cent) and a third of bi women (34 per cent) hiding their identity at work, compared to seven per cent of gay men and four per cent of lesbians.

Stephen Miles, CEO of Commercial Services and Executive Sponsor of LGBT+ Inclusion at DWF said: ‘It’s hugely important to us that everyone feels that they can be themselves at DWF. That’s why we're delighted to win the Bi-Inclusive Employer of the Year Award this year, highlighting our work to prioritise bi inclusion across the business.

‘We’re proud of the work our LGBT network have done in partnership with the wider organisation ensuring that all of our policies and processes are bi inclusive, and to improve bi visibility internally. Over the past year, we celebrated Bi Visibility Day, profiled bi role models across the business to create opportunities to tell their stories and equipped all our staff to challenge bi-phobic or bi-erasive behavior, both in and outside of the office.

‘Bi people still face particular difficulties at work, with many bi people not feeling able to bring their full selves to work. We’d encourage every organisation to take steps to support their bi staff, as well as their lesbian, gay and trans staff, to make their work environments welcoming to everyone.’

Education is most featured sector again

For the second year running, education organisations have come top of the class in this year’s Top 100, with 16 making the list. Cardiff University was the sector’s highest achiever, coming in at ten, while Pearson, Britain’s multinational publishing company, made its debut at 80.

The legal sector came a close second with 15 firms on the list, including last year’s winner Pinsent Masons at position 4. Two legal organisations are making their first appearance on the Top 100 this year: Mayer Brown International LLP (64) and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (93).

Elsewhere in the Top 100, Sky has soared to 28, while Channel 4 lands at 35 in its debut. Sainsbury’s is Britain’s only supermarket on this year’s Top 100, coming in at 71. 

2020’s top trans-inclusive employers

For the third year running, Stonewall has given special recognition to companies who have gone above and beyond to ensure trans staff feel accepted. This year’s list includes last year’s number one employer, Pinsent Masons, along with Victim Support, Skills Development Scotland and the Department for International Trade.

This comes as trans people continue to face worrying levels of abuse across all areas of their lives. Shockingly, one in eight trans employees (12 per cent) have been physically attacked by a colleague or customer in the last year. 

More employers than ever are taking LGBT inclusion seriously

LGBT people of all ages can face discrimination and abuse when both looking for work and once they are in the workplace.

Research by Stonewall demonstrates why it’s important increasing numbers of employers are creating inclusive workplaces. More than a third of LGBT people (35 per cent) looking for work are worried about being discriminated against or harassed because of who they are. Meanwhile, one in five LGBT staff (18 per cent) have been the target of negative comments from colleagues.

This year, more companies than ever showed their commitment to LGBT inclusion with 503 companies hoping for a coveted spot on the 2020 Top 100 list.

Each year, Stonewall also names individuals and network groups who have made an outstanding contribution to LGBT inclusion in their workplace. This year, Laila El-Metoui received the accolade of Stonewall’s Lesbian Role Model of the Year for her work in the Tower Hamlets Council, and as co-chair of their LGBT Network.

Laila said: ‘Having positive role models in your life gives you hope. It can inspire you to achieve. I was and I am still inspired by my own role models.  I hope to encourage people to be the change they want to see.’  

Sanjay Sood-Smith, Stonewall’s Executive Director, said: ‘We spend most of our lives at work, so getting workplace inclusion right makes a huge difference in the lives of so many LGBT people. Every year, our list of the Top 100 employers show us who’s leading the way when it comes to creating a work environment where LGBT people can thrive and be themselves in the UK.  

‘Newcastle City Council is paving the way for others to follow when it comes to putting LGBT inclusion and equality at the heart of their workplace. When staff feel comfortable, happy and understood, they will 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.  

‘Whether you’re a global corporation or a local business, you have the power to protect and support LGBT people with accepting workplace environments where staff can bring their full selves to work. The more organisations that stand up for equality, the sooner we will live in a world where all LGBT people are accepted without exception.’   

In compiling the Top 100, Stonewall surveys staff of the employers who submit to the Workplace Equality Index and collects more than 109,000 anonymous responses on staff experience of the UKs workplace culture and diversity. This year, an encouraging 81 per cent of LGBT employees who responded to the survey said they feel able to be themselves in the workplace.

• Stonewall and gal-dem host discussion of seven trans people of colour about issues facing the community 

• Writer and activist KUCHENGA chairs evening’s roundtable

• Drag artist CHIYO took part to entertain guests

Stonewall’s network of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) staff and trans staff network came together to host a roundtable discussion of seven trans people of colour (POC) on Friday 21 February at Chats Palace, London. The event was chaired by writer and activist KUCHENGA and gal-dem, an award winning media company committed to sharing perspectives from women and non-binary people of colour.

The Roundtable brought together a diverse range of BAME/POC trans individuals to share in discussions about their experiences of marginalisation both within the LGBT community, but also in wider society. The conversation also focused on issues including health, self-care and the importance of community-building for trans people of colour both in Britain and internationally.

Speakers on the night included:

• Tobi Adebajo: A community focused hair stylist, organiser, scientist, singer and writer.
• Travis Alabanza: Performer, writer and theatre maker.
• Kenny Ethan Jones: Model and activist.
• Mridul Wadhma: Manager in the violence against women sector.
• Radam Ridwan: Model and creative writer.
• Shash Appan: Glitter Cymru activist.

Guests were also treated to a powerful performance from drag artist CHIYO. As the event was created by and made for BAME/POC people, tickets were specifically reserved for members of the community.

While trans communities and identities are often the subject of discussion, rarely are they given the space to talk about what life is like for them and the issues they care about. Through events like The Roundtable, Stonewall is keen to platform a diverse range of trans voices, where they can safely discuss challenges and celebrate their identities and histories.

Research by Stonewall demonstrates why safe spaces like The Roundtable are needed. BAME LGBT people are twice as likely than white people to attend LGBT-specific events, despite the fact that half of BAME LGBT people (51 per cent) experiencing discrimination from within the community.

The Roundtable is another important event in a wider series put together by Stonewall as part of its ongoing commitment to becoming a more BAME-inclusive organisation. In the past year, the charity has hosted its second Diaspora Showcase, strengthened its partnership with UK Black Pride and run a free community role model programme for BAME/POC LGBT young people.

Alex Long and Marcus Paterson, Co-Chairs of Stonewall’s Trans Staff Network said: ‘Trans people, but particularly trans people of colour, continue to face high levels of discrimination and abuse in all areas of their lives. Given this, events like The Roundtable are vital because they provide a much-needed space for trans people of colour to speak and be heard in their own voices.

‘We’re incredibly proud to have worked with the BAME and POC Staff Network to put on such a special event. By working together in solidarity, we want to show how the struggle against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia is linked with the fight against racism. There can be no hierarchy of equality in a world where all LGBT people are accepted without exception.’

Yeme Onoabhagbe and Mae Kaboré, Co-Chairs of Stonewall’s BAME/POC staff network, said: ‘It’s incredibly rare to see seven trans people of colour on-stage together to discuss their experiences. The voices of trans people of colour continue to be excluded and erased both within the LGBT community and in wider society, which is part of what makes an event like the Roundtable so special and important.

By working with our Trans Staff Network to make this event happen, we wanted to show what allyship and acting in solidarity looks like in practice. Building a world where LGBT people from all walks of life can be themselves means we have to bring in and listen to diverse parts of our community. The more we amplify, celebrate and listen to these voices, the sooner equality will become a reality for everyone.’

A Stonewall spokesperson said: ‘We’re excited to say we’ve appointed both a new Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer who will help take us into Stonewall’s next chapter. 

‘Tracey Burley, our new Chief Operating Officer, joined us in April and has hit the ground running. Tracey has over 15 years of public service experience working at non-profit social enterprises, where she led on corporate strategy and operational improvement programmes. She also founded Pure Consulting in 2019 to help SMEs, charities and public sector organisations perform better through sustained change management work.  

‘The incoming chief executive will be starting with us very soon and we’ll be able to tell you more about them in the next few weeks. Until then, Tracey, along with our Board of Trustees, will take the helm to ensure Stonewall continues our vital work supporting LGBT communities through this difficult period and beyond.’ 

Laura Russell, Director of Campaigns, Policy and Research, Stonewall said: ‘We’re incredibly disappointed to hear that Freddy McConnell has lost his appeal to be recognised as his child’s ‘father’ or ‘parent’.

'Once again, the Courts have missed a vital opportunity to send a positive message that recognises all parents, including LGBT parents, for who they are.

‘Today’s news is going to be a disappointing blow for trans communities. This is another example of how current legislation contradicts the fragile equality trans people currently have, where they can have full recognition on some legal documents, but not on others.

'Updating this legislation will also benefit others in the LGBT community, specifically same-sex parents, who face similarly inaccurate and unequal representation on their children’s birth certificates. Equality is not a luxury and this legislation desperately needs to be updated so trans people can be recognised for who they are.'

Nancy Kelley, Chief Executive at Stonewall said: 'The report in today’s newspapers, that the Government looks set to drop plans to make it more straightforward for trans people to get legal recognition of their gender, is extremely disappointing if accurate.'

'These reforms would have made many trans people's lives much easier, as we know from the changes already made in Ireland five years ago. The majority of the public responses to the consultation on reforming the Gender Recognition Act supported these changes.

‘This is another blow to our community during a difficult time.  

'Trans people face a huge amount of abuse in their daily lives, just for being themselves. Across issues like access to healthcare, fair treatment in the justice system and the ability to have their voices and stories heard in public life, trans people experience profound inequalities. We will carry on, working with trans led and trans-inclusive organisations, to fight for trans people to be able to live their lives with dignity and respect, and for acceptance without exception for us all.’

• The Welsh Government announces it will provide PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) to all those at high risk of coming into contact with HIV.

• Decision follows the Government’s three-year PrEP trial.

• Stonewall Cymru, alongside leading sexual health organisations like Terrence Higgins Trust, have been campaigning for PrEP to be made widely available for years.

Joe Rossiter, Policy and Campaigns Officer at Stonewall Cymru, said: ‘It is great to hear that PrEP will be made available to anyone at high risk of HIV infection in Wales. PrEP is a game-changing drug that’s been proven to be a highly effective at lowering rates of HIV transmission.

‘Following the Government’s three-year PrEP trial, this move will allow Wales to protect those most at risk, and marks an important step towards ending HIV transmission. Because it costs much more to treat HIV than prevent it, this will also save NHS Wales money in the long-term.

‘However, PrEP isn’t the only way to tackle HIV transmission, it’s just one crucial part of a bigger puzzle. Alongside sufficiently resourced inclusive sexual health services, we need high-quality Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) because the majority of LGBT young people say they still don’t receive the information or guidance they need to stay safe.

‘That’s why we’re excited the Welsh Government has committed to create an inclusive and mandatory RSE curriculum that will give young people what they need to make informed decisions. Stonewall Cymru will continue to campaign for high-quality, LGBT-inclusive, RSE to ensure that LGBT young people are equipped to make safe, healthy decision about their wellbeing.’

• Minister for Women and Equalities confirms Government response to Gender Recognition Act will come ‘over the summer’

• Government originally planned to publish response before parliamentary recess (22 July)

• Minister for Women and Equalities says that the Government ‘will not be rolling back the rights of trans people’

Nancy Kelley, chief executive, Stonewall said: ‘It’s frustrating that the Government has missed their original deadline to announcing their plans to reform the Gender Recognition Act by recess and will now respond ‘over the summer’. Trans people are being asked to wait for equality that is long overdue.

‘For more than three years, trans people have been waiting to hear how the Government would fulfil its promise of GRA reform. During this time, waiting times for gender identity healthcare services have increased, hate crimes against trans people have trebled, and trans people’s identities are being debated in the media and online on a daily basis. So the fact that the Government has missed their own deadline, after so much media speculation, will be a bitter blow for trans communities and allies.

‘Reforming the GRA would make it easier for trans people to go about their daily life, by making it less complicated to update their birth certificate to reflect who they are. This helps make life admin easier, like being able to get married and have the right gender on your marriage certificate, and it means that, as a trans person, your gender is clearly recognised by the state.

‘The current process for obtaining legal gender recognition is burdensome, bureaucratic and demeaning – and as a result, most trans people simply don’t feel able to engage with it. Stonewall, along with many other trans-led and trans-inclusive organisations, have been campaigning for a de-medicalised, straightforward process for legal gender recognition. This isn’t groundbreaking – our neighbours in Ireland have had a similar system in place since 2015 with no negative consequences, and plan to further improve the process for trans people.

‘We want to thank the thousands upon thousands of trans people and allies who came out in support of GRA reform in the Government’s consultation, and who continue to call for reform. We hope the Government will use this extra time to bring forward a plan that meets their own commitment to introduce a de-medicalised, streamlined system of legal gender recognition. This would also reflect the proposals that we understand were supported by the majority of people who responded to the Government’s consultation. It’s also crucial the Government stands firm on their pledge to not roll back the rights of trans people, which would include any regressive action to remove their rights to access single-sex spaces, and to make sure trans people can live their life without fear of discrimination.

‘To all our supporters and everyone who cares about equality, this fight is far from over. We urge you to call or write to your MP, the Minister for Women and Equalities and the Prime Minister. Tell them why we can’t take a massive step back for trans people and echo Section 28. Talk to them about why reform of the GRA is simply about legally recognising trans people as who they are and treating them with dignity and respect. Stonewall will continue to work with you, with trans communities and trans-led organisations, until each and every one of us is accepted without exception.’

Visit our Trans Hub.

• Disney, Microsoft UK and Aviva among 136 organisations to stand up for trans equality

• Diverse range of businesses from finance to education take part in show of support

• Companies urge UK Government to ‘make progress for the trans community’

Today, Stonewall, Britain’s leading lesbian, gay bi and trans equality charity, announced that 136 major UK companies have come together in a show of support for trans communities.

Aviva, BP, CITI, Disney, Expedia, Microsoft and Sky join 96 other UK employers who have added their names to a public statement to say trans rights are human rights, and highlight their support for trans colleagues, employees and customers. Each of the participating companies will also be posting messages of solidarity with trans people across their social media platforms throughout the day.

The collective of businesses from a wide range of sectors represent a growing group of leading employers who are speaking up for trans equality in the UK.

Many of these organisations (70) have also written to the Prime Minister directly to call on the UK Government to honour its commitment to protect trans people’s rights and reform the Gender Recognition Act.

Nancy Kelley, Chief Executive, Stonewall said: ‘We’re proud of all the business leaders who today are ‘coming out’ for trans equality. All these companies are sending a powerful message to trans communities that leading businesses have their backs. Across the UK, corporate leaders are speaking up because they care about protecting and supporting their trans colleagues, customers, friends and family.

‘At a time when trans rights feel increasingly under threat, the diversity of all these businesses taking part today shows there is a wealth of support for trans people at the most senior levels of British industrial and cultural life. But we can’t be complacent. If we want to live in a world where every trans person can be themselves, each of us must use our voice to challenge transphobia and take action to create more inclusive communities.’

View the full list of companies that have signed.

Yesterday's Employment Tribunal ruling is a milestone in recognising the rights of non-binary and gender fluid people to be protected from discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.

Until now, it’s not been clear whether non-binary people were protected by anti-discrimination legislation, so this Employment Tribunal judgment will be key in supporting future judicial decisions.

The Tribunal held up the important principle that “gender is a spectrum”, broadening the scope of who could be covered by the Equality Act to those whose gender identities are “complex”, non-binary, or not the same as they were assigned at birth.

This judgment creates the potential for even more non-binary and gender-diverse people to be protected from harassment and discrimination in all areas of their lives, which is a vital step towards creating a world where all LGBT+ people can thrive as their authentic selves.

• 17 companies commended by Stonewall for efforts to create inclusive global workplaces

• Dentons’ Igor Ostrowski named Global Senior Leader for supporting legal action against Gazeta Polska and the distribution of ‘LGBT+-free Zone’ stickers in Poland

• Baker McKenzie wins Global Trans Inclusion award

Stonewall, Europe’s leading lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality charity, today (Monday 21 September 2020) announced its 17 Top Global Employers for 2020. 

Accenture, Allen & Overy, Baker McKenzie, BP, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, Dentons, Fidelity International, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, GSK, Herbert Smith Freehills, Hogan Lovells, HSBC, NatWest, Pinsent Masons, Simmons & Simmons, Vodafone and Zurich Insurance Group have all been recognised for their outstanding commitment to LGBT employment equality globally.

Now in its ninth year, the Global Workplace Equality Index (GWEI) is the definitive benchmark of workplace culture for LGBT staff in multinational organisations. The GWEI was created by Stonewall as part of the charity’s work to push LGBT equality forward internationally. Organisations with offices around the world work in partnership with Stonewall, using the GWEI to make sure their LGBT staff can be themselves at work.

Anti-LGBT legislation still exists in 70 countries, and 120 countries don’t have any laws protecting LGBT people from employment discrimination. The international environment is constantly changing, and this complex picture means multinational companies cannot simply apply a one-size-fits-all approach to LGBT inclusion. Companies must work within ever-changing parameters at the same time as ensuring that their LGBT employees feel included and supported across the board.

The companies on this list represent those who have gone above and beyond to push for LGBT equality within their organisations and in wider society.

Special awards have also been given to five of the Top Global Employers.

• Global LGBT Network Award: Allen & Overy’s A&Out Network 
• Global Ally Programme Award: HSBC
• Global Community Engagement Award: Accenture
• Global Senior Champion Award: Igor Ostrowski, Dentons
• Global Trans Inclusion Award: Baker McKenzie 

Nancy Kelley, Chief Executive of Stonewall: ‘The progress we’ve made towards LGBT equality has never felt more fragile, so it’s inspiring to see the work our Top Global Employers are doing to protect and support their LGBT staff in some extremely difficult contexts. We know that getting this right isn’t easy, but it is vital – especially because not all parts of the world are progressing at the same pace. 

‘While some countries moved forward this year, like Gabon, who decriminalised same-sex relationships, others, like Poland and Hungary, have rowed back the rights of LGBT people. All of this has been happening while we are still living through a global pandemic that’s hitting some LGBT people harder than others. That’s why it’s crucial for companies like our Top Global Employers to step up and make sure their LGBT staff and customers are looked after. Multinational companies have a powerful part to play in driving equality and progress in society. With their help, every lesbian, gay, bi and trans person can be accepted without exception, wherever they are in the world.’ 

Organisations participating in the GWEI are assessed on their: employee policies, training, staff engagement, leadership, monitoring, procurement, community engagement and understanding local context, global mobility, and additional in-country activity. 

In addition to the Index, Stonewall also produces resources to help multinational companies better understand how to embed LGBT inclusion across their organisation. These resources include the Stonewall Global Workplace Briefings, which provide country-specific information about creating equal workplaces, as well as information from LGBT organisations about the legal and socio-cultural factors facing LGBT people in those countries. 

Briefings are available for the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, Uganda, UK, and USA.