Vale of Glamorgan Council named in the UK’s Top 100 LGBTQ+ Inclusive Employers
The Vale of Glamorgan Council has been named as one of the Top 100 Inclusive Employers by Stonewall for the first time this year.
Stonewall is Europe’s largest charity for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer (LGBTQ+) rights, and each year releases a list of Top 100 Employers which recognises exceptional employers who are committed to supporting their LGBTQ+ staff and customers.
Today, Stonewall released their 2024 list, and the Vale of the Glamorgan Council was recognised for creating a welcoming workplace and supporting LGBTQ+ staff to be themselves at work, joining a number of top construction, legal, health, finance, and education organisations across the UK who made the annual list.
This is the UK’s leading ranking of employers from public, private and third sectors on how inclusive their workplaces are. The Vale of Glamorgan Council was one of only two Councils in Wales and one of seven in the UK to make the list.
Over the past year, the Council has taken further significant strides towards creating an inclusive working environment, including championing LGBTQ+ staff, supporting local pride events, and continued support and promotion of its LGBTQ+ staff network, GLAM.
In a study carried out by Stonewall in 2018, more than a third of LGBTQ+ staff in the UK said they hid who they are at work for fear of discrimination. LGBTQ+ people often feel that they have limited options when applying for jobs or that the work culture isn’t for them when they do land a job.
Cllr Lis Burnett, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “No one should have to hide who they are or who they love whilst at work, and the challenges that LGBTQ+ people face at work can affect us all.
“As a Council we have made strong progress to ensure that the Vale is a safe and welcoming environment for people to both live and work.
“I am so proud to lead a Council that is an inclusive and diverse organisation that champions members of the LGBTQ+ community and I am delighted to find out we have made Stonewall’s Top 100 Inclusive Employers list.
“There is more to do, and we are committed to continuing this work for both our colleagues and our residents, but for now, it’s time to celebrate.”
Colin Macfarlane, Director of Programmes and Income at Stonewall, said: “Implementing inclusive practices and policies is vital for employers who wish to attract and retain top LGBTQ+ talent. The Workplace Equality Index draws participants from diverse industries and sectors, all of whom understand that inclusivity is the future and are leading the way in this vital change.
“By championing LGBTQ+ employees, you are fostering a happy and motivated workforce and contributing to a UK where LGBTQ+ people can thrive as their true selves.”