NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) has made it onto Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers list out of a record 445 participating organisations, the largest number to ever enter.
The index is a powerful benchmarking tool used by employers to assess their achievements and progress on LGBT equality in the workplace, as well as their wider work in the community and on service provision.
NHSBSA has taken 88th place on Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index and this is the sixth year it has taken part, making great progress each year. The selection process is rigorous and NHSBSA has gone from 310th in 2014; to make the Top 100 this year.
Each organisation must demonstrate expertise in 10 areas of employment policy and practice, including networking groups, senior leadership, procurement and how well they’ve engaged with LGBT communities.
As part of the Top 100, Stonewall collects more than 92,000 anonymous responses from employees on their experience of Britain’s workplace culture and diversity (one of the largest national employment surveys in Britain). An overwhelming 93 per cent of non-LGBT employees who responded to the survey, say they understand why their employer is committed to LGBT equality.
Alistair McDonald, Chief Executive of NHSBSA, is also the Executive Champion for Diversity and Inclusion. He said: “At the NHSBSA we aim to be representative of all the communities we serve. We know that diverse teams lead to more creative and productive environments. A diverse workforce also brings unique skillsets that enrich and improve our quality of work.
“I’m delighted that our efforts have been recognised and we have achieved a position in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers Workplace Equality Index. As an inclusive organisation we celebrate individuality as an important part of our strategy to make the NHSBSA a great place to work. And this reflects our values. I’d like to thank all our people for their efforts and they should rightly be proud of this achievement.”
Last year, Stonewall released research* that revealed more than a third of LGBT staff (35 per cent) have hidden they are LGBT at work and almost one in five LGBT employees (18 per cent) have been the target of negative comments from colleagues because of their identity.
Darren Towers, Stonewall’s Executive Director said: “NHSBSA and all those who have made this year’s Top 100 Employers list are making a huge difference to workplaces, services and communities across the UK. LGBT-inclusive employers play a crucial role in changing society by using their power and influence to protect and support LGBT people. More than a third of LGBT staff (35 per cent) still hide their identity at work for fear of discrimination; that has an impact on productivity, wellbeing and more and shows we still have lots to do. However, with organisations like NHSBSA displaying such a strong commitment to LGBT equality, we are one step closer to creating a world where all lesbian, gay, bi and trans employees are welcomed and accepted without exception.”