The University of Central Lancashire has been awarded a place in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers 2024 list in recognition for its work on supporting lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer plus (LGBTQ+) staff to be their authentic selves and give them a sense of belonging at work.
Announced today, Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers 2024 list is compiled from the Workplace Equality Index – the UK’s leading benchmarking tool for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace – and is the definitive benchmarking tool for employers to measure their progress on lesbian, gay, bi and trans inclusion in the workplace.
Over the past few years, the University of Central Lancashire has made significant strides towards creating an inclusive working environment through a range of impactful actions.
"It is testament to the University’s commitment to making sure we continue to be an employer that welcomes everyone and where staff can be proud to be themselves at work."
— Charlotte Delaney, Director of Equality, Diversity Inclusion and Communities
These efforts include expanding the LGBT+ Staff Network, implementing comprehensive training programmes for staff and allies, actively participating in and supporting community events such as Pride and flying the Progress Flag. The University has also developed robust policies and resources that support all LGBTQ+ staff and students, including producing a trans guidance on how to best support transgender colleagues and students.
Additionally, the University has focused on fostering an inclusive culture by establishing clear objectives and a formal strategy that addresses the diverse needs of the entire LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that all members feel valued and supported.
Charlotte Delaney, Director of Equality, Diversity Inclusion and Communities at the University, said: “We are an organisation that promotes fairness and values and celebrates diversity so to be recognised by Stonewall as one of the UK’s top employers for LGBTQ+ staff support is an honour.
“It is testament to the University’s commitment to making sure we continue to be an employer that welcomes everyone and where staff can be proud to be themselves at work. By listening to and working with our LGBT+ colleagues, led by an active LGBT+ Staff Network, we've understood the lived experiences of our colleagues and created a more inclusive workplace.”
"It is encouraging to see our collective work being acknowledged and we will continue to strive towards even greater inclusivity and support for our LGBTQ+ community."
— Anastasia Topalidou, co-chair of the LGBT+ Staff Network
Anastasia Topalidou, co-chair of the LGBT+ Staff Network at the University, said: “We are incredibly proud of the University of Central Lancashire's recognition by Stonewall. This accolade reflects our ongoing efforts to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all staff. It is encouraging to see our collective work being acknowledged and we will continue to strive towards even greater inclusivity and support for our LGBTQ+ community.”
The University of Central Lancashire joins a number of top construction, legal, health, finance and education organisations who made the annual Top 100 list of LGBTQ+ inclusive employers.
Colin Macfarlane, Director of Programmes and Income at Stonewall, Europe’s largest charity for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer (LGBTQ+) rights, said: “Implementing inclusive practices and policies is vital for employers who wish to attract and retain top LGBTQ+ talent. The Workplace Equality Index draws participants from diverse industries and sectors, all of whom understand that inclusivity is the future and are leading the way in this vital change.
"By championing LGBTQ+ employees, you are fostering a happy and motivated workforce and contributing to a UK where LGBTQ+ people can thrive as their true selves."
— Colin Macfarlane, Director of Programmes and Income at Stonewall
“By championing LGBTQ+ employees, you are fostering a happy and motivated workforce and contributing to a UK where LGBTQ+ people can thrive as their true selves.”
Charlotte Delanely added: “We recognise this is only the start of our journey and there is much more work to be done to restore the voice, visibility, place and belonging of the LGBT+ community in our society.”
View the 2024 Stonewall Top 100 list for leading LGBTQ+ inclusive employers list.