CNWL achieves LGBT+ Gold Award and a place in the Stonewall Top 100 Employers List for leading LGBT+ inclusivity

This is the ninth year in a row that CNWL has featured in the Top 100 Index led by gay rights organisation Stonewall. This year climbing to 18 out of the 246 organisations that entered and receiving a Gold Award.

As part of the submission, employees from across the UK were asked to complete a confidential survey rating their employer’s performance in LGBT+ related matters.

Over the past 10 years, CNWL has undertaken significant strides towards creating an inclusive working environment and complement the Stonewall Index by also taking part in the NHS led Rainbow Badge scheme.

Our LGBTQ+ staff network is a testament to this commitment - providing a platform for support, advocacy, and education to make sure that our workplace is not just tolerant but genuinely inclusive.

Graeme Caul, CNWL’s Chief Operating Officer and Executive Sponsor of the Trust’s LGBT+ Staff Network, Pride@CNWL, said:

“I’m proud of our network and all the work we collectively do to encourage inclusivity for all. It means a great deal to me personally. As a gay man I know how important it is to feel supported at work and I want everyone in this Trust to feel that we are here for them and listening to where improvements need to be made. Taking part in this index each year, alongside other initiatives, is an important way of reviewing and reflecting on the work we do to make sure our services are inclusive for all and that our staff feel supported to be fully themselves. Caring and respecting each other makes patient care the best it can be too.”

Nationally, more than a third of LGBT staff (35 per cent) have hidden who they are at work for fear of discrimination. This means LGBT+ 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.

We all perform our best work when we feel comfortable bringing our full selves to work – and for LGBT+ people, that means not having to hide who you are or who you love, while at work.

Colin Macfarlane, Director of Programmes and Income at Stonewall (he/him) 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.”