º£½ÇÊÓƵ

Eleven organisations from Wales have made the Top 100 Employers list, compiled by lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality charity Stonewall.

The Top 100 is seen as the º£½ÇÊÓƵ’s definitive list ranking employers from across public, private and third sectors on how LGBT-inclusive their workplaces are and is intensely competitive.

The top Welsh employer for 2020 is the National Assembly for Wales, who made it into the top 10 at number eight.

The second highest performing organisation in Wales is the Welsh Government at number nine, followed closely by Cardiff University at position 10.

Cardiff University also received special recognition for the outstanding work of their Network Group who were awarded the Network Group of the Year Award.

Shan Morgan, Permanent Secretary to the Welsh Government, said: "We are delighted to once again be recognised in the Stonewall Top 100 employers list.

"Ranking 9th in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ, in the Top 10 for a second year, demonstrates our commitment to LGBT equality. We are also pleased to again be recognised as a Top Trans Inclusive Employer, and for our LGBT+ network PRISM to be highly commended.

"We aim to be an inclusive organisation where everyone is able to be themselves and fulfil their potential. As a government, it’s vital that we reflect the diversity of communities throughout Wales.

"Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index is an invaluable tool in our journey of continual improvement to build a workplace that includes everyone, recognising our hard work and achievements and highlighting areas for further work."

A spokesperson for Cardiff University said the achievement represents over a decade of commitment to LGBT+ equality.

"Our staff network Enfys has gone from strength to strength over the past 12 years and their recognition as Network Group of the Year is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of many members of staff from across the University," they said. 

"Our aim is to be part of ensuring that the Higher Education sector evidences that LGBT+ equality really matters."

The biggest climber of all the Welsh organisations in this year’s list is University of South Wales Group (USW RWCMD and The College Merthyr Tydfil), who rose 19 positions to reach number 24.

This year’s Top 100 had more than 500 employers entering.

Stonewall research shows that one in seven LGBT employees (14%) don’t feel able to be themselves at work and almost one in five LGBT people (18%) have experienced discrimination when applying for jobs because of their identity.

Andrew White, director of Stonewall Cymru said: "National Assembly for Wales and all of the Welsh organisations who have made this year's Top 100 Employer's list are playing a huge role in improving the lives of LGBT people, and should be very proud of their work.

"We still don't live in a world where everyone is able to be themselves in the workplace, as we know a third of LGBT staff (34%) hide who they are at work in Wales. By taking steps to make their workplaces supportive and welcoming of all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people, these organisations are bringing us closer to a world where everyone is accepted without exception."