British LGBT organisation Stonewall has released their annual survey of the most inclusive employers in Britain and the number one choice is pretty left-field.
Their Workplace Equality Index is in its twelfth year, and 2016 is the first year it has become trans-inclusive. Over 60.000 employees and over 400 companies were involved in the compilation of this year’s index.
Companies appearing on the list included Lloyds, KPMG, Barnardo’s, and the London Ambulance Service.
The number one spot was reserved for MI5, The British intelligence agency responsible for protecting the UK against terrorist and spy threats.
In order for the companies to be measured in terms of inclusivity, survey participants were asked a series of questions such as:
Are lesbian, gay and bi people comfortable disclosing their sexual orientation at work?
Are there visible lesbian, gay, bi and trans role models in the organisation?
Are lesbian, gay, bi and trans employees supported by managers and senior managers?
Are staff confident reporting homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying in the workplace?
Director General of MI5 Andrew Parker stated: “Diversity is vital for MI5, not just because it’s right that we represent the communities we serve, but because we rely on the skills of the most talented people whoever they are, and wherever they may be”.
MI5 has progressed from 134th place on the index to 1st in just six years.
