Cardiff Metropolitan University ranks 95th on LGBT charity’s annual list of inclusive employers
Stonewall index receives a record 445 submissions
Cardiff Metropolitan University has been named one of the most inclusive employers in Britain by lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality charity Stonewall in its Top 100 Employers list for 2019. Cardiff Metropolitan University has placed 95th on this year’s list, a huge jump from 185th last year.
This year’s Top 100 was the largest ever with 445 employers entering, demonstrating their commitment to LGBT workplace inclusion.
As part of the Top 100, Stonewall collects more than 92,000 anonymous responses from employees on their experience of Britain’s workplace culture and diversity. An overwhelming 93 per cent of non-LGBT employees who responded to the survey, say they understand why their employer is committed to LGBT equality.
Professor Cara Aitchison, Cardiff Metropolitan University’s President and Vice-Chancellor said: "Our placing in the Top 100 Employers list for 2019 is a fantastic achievement and testament to the work of everyone involved in the Cardiff Met community.
"Our LGBT+ staff network, of which I am a member, has increased the visibility of LGBT+ staff and students and championed the value of diversity, equality and inclusivity in a positive way throughout the year and to the benefit of all.
"I look forward to continuing to work with staff and students to develop this inclusive culture, where every single lesbian, gay, bi, trans and non-binary person is accepted without exception, and that Cardiff Met becomes a University of first choice for LGBT+ students and staff."
Last year, Stonewall released research that revealed more than a third of LGBT staff (35 per cent) have hidden they are LGBT at work and almost one in five LGBT employees (18 per cent) have been the target of negative comments from colleagues because of their identity.
Darren Towers, Stonewall’s Executive Director said: "Cardiff Metropolitan University and all those who have made this year’s Top 100 Employers list are making a huge difference to workplaces, services and communities across the UK.
"LGBT-inclusive employers play a crucial role in changing society by using their power and influence to protect and support LGBT people.
"More than a third of LGBT staff (35 per cent) still hide their identity at work for fear of discrimination; that has an impact on productivity, wellbeing and more and shows we still have lots to do.
"However, with organisations like Cardiff Metropolitan University displaying such a strong commitment to LGBT equality, we are one step closer to creating a world where all lesbian, gay, bi and trans employees are welcomed and accepted without exception."
Stonewall’s Top 100 is compiled from submissions to the Workplace Equality Index, a powerful benchmarking tool used by employers to assess their achievements and progress on LGBT equality in the workplace, as well as their wider work in the community and on service provision.
Each organisation must demonstrate their expertise in 10 areas of employment policy and practice, including networking groups, senior leadership, procurement and how well they’ve engaged with LGBT communities.
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