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Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ Leicester (Æß²ÊÖ±²¥) 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. Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ rose 30 places to number 31 - its highest-ever position in the rankings.

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.

Increasing numbers of gender-fluid and non-binary staff and students are choosing Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ because of its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. In the past year, Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ has launched new policies to make clear the support its gives to trans, gender-fluid and non-binary staff and students while events raised awareness of bisexuality.

Professor Dominic Shellard, Vice-Chancellor of Æß²ÊÖ±²¥, said: “We work hard at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ to develop and encourage an environment in which our LGBT students and staff know they have the freedom to be themselves at work or in their studies. I am very proud that our success in this has received recognition from Stonewall.

“This is Æß²ÊÖ±²¥’s highest-ever position in their Top 100 Employers List. I would like to thank all colleagues and in particular the university’s LGBT champions for their contributions to this magnificent achievement.”

The university runs a month-long Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ Pride festival, involving students and staff in weeks of events, music, films and debates around issues affecting LGBT communities.

Æß²ÊÖ±²¥’s message of inclusivity extends beyond the campus into the community, working with LGBT organisations in the city and county, and supporting the city’s annual Pride parade and event.

De Montfort Students’ Union has a thriving and there is also an active staff network.

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.

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Darren Towers, Stonewall’s Executive Director said: “Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ 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 Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ 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.