ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµâ€™sÌýare delighted toÌýhaveÌýbeen accredited by Stonewall as a TrailblazerÌýorganisation.ÌýWith an exceptional score placing us firmly among the UK’s leadingÌýorganisationsÌýfor LGBTQIA+ inclusion, this is the highest level possible inÌýStonewall’sÌýnew Proud Employers Accreditation scheme.
The achievement is especially meaningful because Stonewall’s approach to assessingÌýorganisationsÌýhas changed. The new frameworkÌýdoesn’tÌýjust reward written policies, but looks for evidence of real, lived inclusion across anÌýorganisation.ÌýÌý
The results reflect a workplace where colleagues feel seen,ÌývaluedÌýand supported, and where inclusion is increasingly part of our everyday culture.Ìý
What Stonewall said about ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµâ€™sÌý
Stonewall describes TrailblazerÌýorganisationsÌýas thoseÌýdemonstratingÌý“leadership at its finest†and which are “at the forefront of changeâ€,Ìýwith exceptional commitment and results that inspire others.Ìý
Stonewall’s detailed feedback highlighted several strengths across ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµâ€™s, including strong and authentic LGBTQIA+ leadership,Ìýinclusive recruitment,Ìýpolicies shaped by lived experience, and more.Ìý
Reflecting on our Trailblazer accreditation,ÌýÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµâ€™sÌýCEO EmmaÌýHaddadÌýsaid:Ìý
“This accreditation is remarkable, and placesÌýÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµâ€™sÌýat the forefront of LGBTQIA+ inclusive employers nationally.Ìý
It is fantastic recognition that our focus is not just on policies, but on leadership, sharing personal stories, real allyship, and evidence of inclusion that is felt across teams, roles and identities.”Ìý
Amie,ÌýanÌýLGBTQIA+ Network Coordinator at ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµâ€™s, said:Ìý
“We’re incredibly proud to be a Stonewall Trailblazer. The workÌýwe’reÌýdoing to support our colleagues and clients is crucial when LGBTQIA+ rights are at the forefront of a lot ofÌýconversations,Ìýand weÌýrecogniseÌýthere are always opportunities to improve. The feedback from Stonewall will help us plan extra activities for the next year to strengthen inclusion, understanding, and the experience for our community to be seen, valued, and supported.”Ìý
Head of ED&I at ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµâ€™s, Kevin Maxwell MBE, said:ÌýÌýÌý
“This is an exceptional result and places us at the top level of accreditation nationally. If this were still the former UK Workplace Equality Index model, this score wouldÌýlikely haveÌýpositioned us among the highest-performing organisations in the country.ÌýI’mÌýincredibly proud of the work that has gone intoÌýthis acrossÌýthe organisation.Ìý
This is a significant endorsement of our strategic direction and the work underway to support our LGBTQIA+ colleagues, including our LGBTQIA+ colleagues ofÌýcolourÌýand LGBTQIA+ colleagues who areÌýneurodivergent.”Ìý
You can find out more about Stonewall’sÌýProud Employers AccreditationÌý.