Support for LGBT staff members recognised

The University of Wolverhampton has significantly improved the support it provides to LGBT Staff members and the wider cause of LGBT Equality, as recognised by Stonewall, the UK’s leading advocacy organisation for LGBT Rights.

Every year Stonewall runs the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, a benchmarking tool that provides guidance to employers about equality and diversity best practice, and ranks their success in creating a workplace that is inclusive of LGBT people and celebrates their contribution. Now in its 13^th year, the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index is based on both a self-assessment return completed by each participating organisation and survey responses from individual staff members.

It was announced today that the University of Wolverhampton was ranked 164^th out of 439 employers. This is 61 places above its previous ranking of 225.  This ranking reflects Wolverhampton’s increased work related to LGBT Equality. This work includes:

• Being the leading sponsor of Wolverhampton LGBT Pride 2016
• Participating in both Birmingham and Wolverhampton LGBT Pride Marches
• Agreeing a new policy on Trans Inclusion
• Holding several LGBT-themed public events
• Maintaining an active LGBT Staff Network that provides LGBT Staff a voice within the University

Vice-Chancellor Professor Geoff Layer, emphasised the University’s commitment to build on this progress. “At the University of Wolverhampton, we aspire to set example as an LGBT-friendly employer and a community for our students and wider society. It is for this reason that we have committed ourselves to enter Stonewall’s List of Top 100 Employers within the next five years.”  

Dr Sammy Li, Chair of the University’s LGBT Staff Network, said: “The latest result is a real testament to the University’s strong commitment to an inclusive campus environment for all. It has been achieved through collective effort of both the senior management and staff from across our institution.”

Will Cooling, Interim Head of Equality and Diversity, also welcomed the improved performance, thanking key staff members. “I am delighted that the hard work of the LGBT Staff Network, Directorate of Human Resources and the Equality and Diversity Unit has been recognised by Stonewall. We are still expanding our work on LGBT Equality. In addition to running two public events during LGBT History Month we are also developing new bespoke training sessions and informational webpages.”

Further information

For more information please contact the Media Relations Office on 01902 32 2736 or 01902 518647.

Date Issued: Thursday, 19 January 2017