The National Assembly for Wales continues to lead the way in promoting equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people (LGBT) with another top five ranking in the latest Stonewall Workplace Index.
The Assembly has now been among the leading UK employers for supporting LGBT rights for the past nine years, and is the leading public sector organisation for Wales for the fourth year in a row.
Over the past twelve months the Assembly has continued to show leadership in its efforts to create an inclusive parliamentary institution. Examples of activity include:
- The celebration of LGBT History Month and International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia;
- Attendance at Cardiff Pride and Swansea Sparkle events;
- The introduction of gender neutral toilet and shower facilities for staff and visitors;
- Embedding Equality Impact Assessments in corporate policies such as the mental health policy for staff;
- Provision of trans awareness training through Trans*Form and a range of training interventions on supporting LGBT staff; and
- Provision of peer support through the LGBT workplace equality network, OUT-NAW.
“It is critical that everyone should feel accepted and included in the workplace, as they should anywhere else,” said Elin Jones AM, Llywydd of the National Assembly for Wales.
“Perhaps now more than ever we need a society that is diverse, cohesive and where people are respectful of each other.
“The National Assembly is proud to be a leader in this regard and we will continue our efforts to be an exemplar organisation in terms of equality.”
Joyce Watson AM, Commissioner with responsibility for equality at the National Assembly for Wales said:
“This is a wonderful achievement and I am very proud of the work being carried out by our Diversity and Inclusion team and the staff of the National Assembly for Wales.
“To continue our excellent placing in the Stonewall Workplace Index shows our long-standing dedication to promoting LGBT rights, and making the National Assembly one of the most inclusive organisations to work for in the UK.”
The Stonewall Workplace Index measures ten key areas of employment and policy practice in an organisation including:
- Employee policy;
- Training;
- Employee Network Group;
- Career development; and
- Community engagement.
Andrew White, Stonewall Cymru Director, said:
“The National Assembly for Wales has consistently placed in the top 100 employers and it’s great to see them ranked as the top performing government organisation in Britain this year.
“At Stonewall we are continually impressed by the hard work and enthusiasm of the team at the National Assembly, and their dedication to making their workplace an institution for everyone in Wales.
“The work they have done for LGBT equality in the workplace over the last few years has been inspiring, and we look forward to continuing to work with them as a leading inclusive employer.”