Several organisation in Nottinghamshire have been named among the most gay-friendly employers in the UK.
The Stonewall top 100 employers survey lists those which best support and welcome lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transsexual (LGBT) staff.
Five local groups made the rankings and Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was given a special award as a ‘star performer’ meaning it will be held up as a good example and mentor other groups trying to climb the rankings.
Stonewall Workplace Equality Index: Where Notts employers ranked
‘Star performer’ (unranked): Nottingham Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Joint 64th= Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottinghamshire Police
89 = Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue
93 = Vision West Nottingham College
97 = Nottingham City Council
Nottinghamshire County Council leader Alan Rhodes said: “It’s an important message that we’re sending out.
“We feel strongly that people who are working here should be comfortable in who they are and they shouldn’t feel as though they’re being singled out.
“We’re very pleased our efforts have been recognised by Stonewall; it means a lot to us and says a lot about the organisation.”
VIDEO: Council leader Alan Rhodes speaking about the achievement
The list is compiled from submissions to the Workplace Index, a tool used by employers to create inclusive workspaces.
Nottinghamshire County Council LGBT staff network chair Pete Lilly said: “These rankings are not just important to us as an LGBT staff network, not just for the council but also for the community as a whole.
“The past year we worked closely with care homes, staff and service users, we did a lot of awareness work with them where we ensured that there was equality within these care homes.
“To have so many Nottinghamshire and Nottingham city employers hitting the top 100 now is fantastic for the community as a whole as well as the LGBT community.”
