We’ve won the Stonewall Silver Employer Award for LGBT+ inclusion at work

We’ve been awarded the Silver Employer Award in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index for 2022. This is a great achievement and recognition of our efforts to become an LGBT+ employer.

Our Pride staff network were a key part of completing the submission to Stonewall, along with our Equalities Team and other colleagues. It is due to the continued commitment, passion and hard work of our colleagues that we are taking strides to be a truly inclusive workplace. So a big thank you to everyone who helped to make this happen. 

The award comes as part of LGBTQ+ equality charity, Stonewall’s Bring Yourself to Work campaign which highlights the importance of inclusive work environments. According to the charity’s research, more than a third of LGBTQ+ staff (35 per cent) hide who they are at work, while one in five (18 per cent) have been the target of negative comments because they’re LGBTQ+.

Liz Ward, Director of Programmes at Stonewall (she/her) said:

‘It’s fantastic that the IOPC has gained a Silver Award for their efforts and commitment to creating an inclusive work environment, and we look forward to seeing and supporting the rest of their inclusion journey.’ 

‘We spend so much of our time at work, and our career can be a huge part of how we define ourselves. Every single lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer person should be able to be themself at work. From understanding how HR policies, such as parental leave, will affect them, to being reassured that they can speak openly about their lives and partners at the coffee machine, the impact of inclusive workplaces can be life-changing.’

Holly Tunley, Head of Organisational Design, Development & Talent at IOPC (she/her) said:

‘We know that we are on a continued journey to achieve our goals in becoming a truly inclusive workplace, and whilst we still have a long road to travel this award demonstrates our progress.’

‘We want all our colleagues to be able to bring their identities and characteristics to the workplace in a respectful way, to help them fulfil their professional and personal goals. As an organisation we are the beneficiaries of this in creating a vibrant and diverse environment that continually produces excellence.’

‘I would like to personally thank those who have supported this process allowing us to achieve Stonewalls Silver award, and for their continued hard work in supporting the organisation’s equality journey.’

More information can be found on the Stonewall website, as well as further information about the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion.