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Workplace Equality Index

Stonewall has published its annual Workplace Equality Index, showcasing the UK’s top 100 employers for gay people. 

Four organisations from Wales made the 2008 Top 100.

South Wales Police are named the top employer in Wales, followed by the Welsh Assembly Government, Environment Agency Wales and Gwent Police.

Liz Morgan, Director of Stonewall Cymru, says, "The standard of entry was particularly high this year as many businesses recognise the benefits of being a gay-friendly employer. Increasingly, the Index is being used by job-seekers and students when deciding who to take their skills to, and by employers who are looking to deliver a first class service to their employees and service users."

South Wales Police Chief Constable Barbara Wilding said, "I am delighted at the news that South Wales Police has risen 25 places in the Stonewall Equality Index and this shows our continued commitment to creating a workplace where our LGB staff feel valued.
"South Wales Police first appeared in the index last year and since then, we have carried on working hard to set an example and continue leading organisations in Wales by driving forward the equality agenda across all areas of diversity.

"Not only do our staff benefit from this, but we will be able to deliver a quality of service to our communities. I am determined to ensure that people who are LGB who live in, work or visit the South Wales area can feel secure that if they do experience homophobic hate crime their police service will provide them with an A* service."

ITV Wales interviewed an 'out' gay Police Officer while on duty in South Wales. Click here to watch the interview.

Derek Jones, Senior Director at the Welsh Assembly Government said, 'We are proud to be able to demonstrate further real improvements as a result of participation in the 2007 Work Place Equality Index. We are particularly indebted to the LGBT staff network for helping us develop our policies and practices. We are also grateful to all our staff who help to make this an inclusive organisation by embracing diversity and all the benefits it brings.'

Chris Mills, Director Environment Agency Wales says "We are committed to making Environment Agency  Wales a workplace where it's ok to be who you are for everyone, and this recognition is welcome encouragement to continue our efforts. We would not have achieved what we have so quickly without the active engagement of our LGBT network. We also believe that we will progress our environmental objectives more effectively with a workforce that is able to get on with the job without fear of discrimination. "

Mick Giannasi, Gwent Police Deputy Chief Constable says, "We are delighted to be included in Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index for another year and see this as recognition of our continuing commitment to make Gwent Police a welcoming, supportive and fulfilling working environment for gay, lesbian and bisexual people. 
 
It is important that both our staff and the public have confidence in our ability to treat people with fairness and integrity and our continued inclusion in the Workplace Equality Index will, I am sure, help to provide that confidence." 

Employers were ranked according to criteria ranging from implementation of an effective equality policy to demonstrating how they engage with their lesbian and gay staff and customers and service users. The Index assesses actual practice, such as recruitment and mentoring activity, as well as policy.

Competition for the 2008 index was higher than in previous years with participants being required to obtain a minimum score of 71 per cent to be placed in the top 100 compared with 40 per cent in 2005.

The WEI is also now routinely used in both the private and public sectors to measure improvement. The 1.7 million gay people in the UK workforce use it to see how their employer compares with rivals. It's also a key resource for the 150,000 gay students in UK universities, who use it when deciding where they want to take their talents upon graduation.

The best organisations are members of Stonewall Cymru's Diversity Champions Cymru programme

In addition to challenging employers, Stonewall Cymru also offers solutions.  All four organisations who made it into the Top 100 are part of the Diversity Champions Cymru programme. These are the organisations that choose to work with Stonewall Cymru to improve and maintain their competitive advantage.

Please feel free to contact Liz Morgan, Director of Stonewall Cymru on 029 2023 7744 or via liz.morgan@stonewallcymru.org.uk  if you have any questions regarding the Workplace Equality Index or the Diversity Champions Cymru programme.

More information on the Workplace Equality Index is available on the Stonewall UK website. Click  here to access.