Media release - Cardiff and Vale among UK's top employers for LGBTQ+ equality
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board’s status as one of the top organisations for LGBTQ+ employees has been confirmed.
The Health Board has ranked 37th in this year’s Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, which celebrates the 100 best-performing organisations across the UK in terms of LGBTQ+ Equality.
Earning a Gold Award, Cardiff and Vale UHB is the third-best performing health organisation in this year’s index, which is judged on organisations’ employment policy and practice in addition to surveys completed anonymously by staff about their experiences of diversity and inclusion at work.
According to research conducted by Stonewall about workforce inclusion, 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+.
Rachel Gidman, Executive Director of People and Culture, (she / her) said: “I am incredibly proud of Cardiff and Vale UHB’s inclusion in this year’s Workplace Equality Index, which signifies not only the great steps forward that we are taking to become an increasingly equal organisation, but the fantastic work of our teams to drive this agenda forward.
“We want all of our employees, regardless of their background to feel comfortable being their true selves at work. We have made good progress towards achieving this, and remain committed to embedding an increasingly inclusive and accepting culture right across our organisation.”
Central to the Health Board’s success in this year’s index has been the relaunch of its LGBTQ+ Staff Network, which works to make LGBTQ+ issues more visible within the work environment.
The network provides a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for all people who identify as part of LGBTQ+ communities, whether or not they are 'out' in the wider world, and regardless of identity or background.
Rhiannon Owen, Chair of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network Committee, said: “We’re so pleased with the Health Board’s inclusion in this year’s index, which shares a really positive message about the support available to the LGBTQ+ community across the organisation.
“We would encourage all staff who are members or allies of the LGBTQ+ organisation to come forward and join our network, and help further amplify the support available to staff, increase the visibility of LGBTQ+ issues, and drive forward further inclusivity throughout our organisation.”
Liz Ward, Director of Programmes at Stonewall (she/her) said: “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.
“It’s fantastic that Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has gained the Gold 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."
View the full list of organisations that are included in this year’s Workplace Equality Index, or read more about the LGBTQ+ Staff Network including profiles of its committee members and information on how to sign up.