National Assembly rises to third best LGBT-friendly place to work in the UK

Published 19/01/2016   |   Last Updated 19/01/2016

Assembly staff holding the equality flag / Staff y Cynulliad yn dal y faner cydraddoldeb The National Assembly for Wales has continued to be a leader for equal rights, rising to third place in this year's Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.

And, for the third year running the National Assembly is also the top Welsh Public Sector Employer for LGBT staff.

For the first time, the Workplace Equality Index includes the transgender community.

A recent report by the House of Commons stated that transgender people in the UK face "high levels of transphobia" on a daily basis.

"This report shows the difficulties transgender people face and the work we all must do to end this inequality," said Dame Rosemary Butler AM, Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales.

"So I was delighted to hear, earlier this year, that Stonewall was focusing its attention on including transgender issues to its remit.

"Including measures on what organisations are doing for trans staff and service users in the Workplace Equality Index will quite naturally lead to improved outcomes for the community.

"I am also very proud to see that 12 of the top 100 employers on the Index are in Wales, demonstrating that, as a country, we are very much punching above our weight in tackling inequality."

Sandy Mewies AM, Assembly Commissioner with responsibility for equalities issues, added:

"I am thrilled that our continuing excellent work in promoting and encouraging equality in the workplace has seen us move up to become the third best employer in the UK.

"I am very proud of our equality team and, of course, of the National Assembly for Wales staff for continuing to lead the way in workplace equality in Wales.

Andrew White, Director of Stonewall Cymru, said:

"The National Assembly for Wales has consistently placed in the top 100 employers and have improved their ranking every year. 

"To rank at third place in such a competitive field of employers throughout Great Britain is testament to the clear leadership and sheer hard work of a dedicated team of staff. 

"It is an amazing accomplishment and demonstrates an organisation committed to living their values and serving ALL the people of Wales."

In the past year, the National Assembly has undertaken the following work to make the Assembly a more LGBT-friendly place to work:

  • We have taken our Outreach bus to Pride Cymru and Swansea Sparkle to engage with the LGBT community and to encourage democratic engagement;
  • We have used social media to promote LGBT equality and to show our commitment to LGBT History Month, International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, and Bi Visibility Day;
  • We have an LGBT Allies scheme where non-LGBT staff can show their commitment and support to LGBT equality;
  • We promote LGBT equality internally, through our inclusive staff policies, LGBT-specific training and awareness-raising;
  • We have a senior LGBT champion and a number of senior Allies who promote LGBT equality internally and externally.

Find out more about how the National Assembly for Wales promotes equality, including our Equality Plan 2012-16.