In what is a first year on the Index, we have placed 251 out of 439 employers across the UK, with a score of 66.5, prompting Stonewall to acknowledge a great debut placing for the organisation.

The Stonewall Workplace Equality Index is seen as a powerful benchmarking tool to help ensure all lesbian, gay, bi and trans employees can be themselves in the workplace. Participating employers are asked to demonstrate their work in 10 areas of employment policy and practice, from training to community engagement. At the same time, staff from across each organisation complete an anonymous survey about their experiences at work.

We have been recognised for our growing commitment to LGBT+ inclusion which has included the formation of our LGBT+ network ‘Spectrum’ as well as hosting internal events for staff on topics such as gay and trans inclusion in the workplace and working closely with The Iris Outreach programme to produce a short fiction film dealing that focusses on acceptance in the workplace.

Reacting to the recognition, Steve O’Donoghue, Wales Audit Office, Senior Lead on LGBT+ said:

“I am delighted with us being placed so highly in our first year of entry.  The feedback process with Stonewall will be invaluable in helping us drive forward in our quest to be a great place to work which is inclusive and diverse and where people can be themselves. 

I would like to thank colleagues in the National Assembly for Wales and Welsh Government for the support and encouragement they have given us, with particular thanks to our own Equality Interest Group for their commitment and hard work in effecting change for the better.”

Lindsay Foyster, Board member and Non-Executive Equality lead said:

“Making this ranking in the first year is a great achievement and something we can all be proud of. It's really important to me and the Board that all staff feel valued and supported to be able to be themselves at work.
Our placing on the Stonewall Equality Index demonstrates a clear commitment to this and an excellent starting point from which to build on further going forward”

Staff will be continuing this commitment into 2017, which will include working closely with The Iris Outreach programme to produce a short fiction film dealing with gay inclusion in the workplace.

If you would like to know more about the index and view the accompanying report, visit the Stonewall website [opens in new window] for more information.