Pinsent Masons

Law firm Pinsent Masons, pharmaceutical organisation GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and investment bank Citi have been included in charity organisation Stonewall's Top 100 Employers Index, with Newcastle City Council taking the top spot for 2020.

The Top 100 Index comprises a yearly list of businesses that have worked towards achieving inclusion for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) employees.

Organisations that participate in the index are asked to submit evidence detailing their inclusive practices across ten areas: policies and benefits; the employee lifecycle; LGBT employee network groups; allies and role models; senior leadership; monitoring; procurement; community engagement; clients, customers and service users; and additional work.

To compile the Top 100 list, Stonewall collects anonymous responses from staff at each organisation, relating to workplace culture and diversity.

A record 503 employers submitted evidence to the 2020 index, with entrants across 20 industries.

The Top 10 LGBT inclusive employers for 2020 were:

  1. Newcastle City Council
  2. Gentoo Group
  3. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service
  4. Pinsent Masons
  5. The Ministry of Justice
  6. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
  7. Citi
  8. The National Assembly for Wales
  9. The Welsh Government
  10. Cardiff University
Law firm DWF was recognised as the top bi-inclusive employer of the year. Stephen Miles, chief executive officer of commercial services at DWF, said: “There are little things any organisation can do to create a more bi-inclusive workplace. Over the past year we have celebrated Bi Visibility Day, profiled bi role models across the business, and partnered with our LGBT+ Network, Out Front, to provide education on what biphobia and bi discrimination looks like.”

Paul Twocock, interim chief executive at Stonewall, said: “The Stonewall Workplace Equality Index is now in its [16th] year, and 2020 is the biggest yet. An incredible 503 organisations entered this year, and I want to congratulate them all for their continued efforts to promote LGBT equality inside and outside the workplace.

“Thank you again to everyone who took the time to submit to the Workplace Equality Index and to the award winners who have led the way with exceptional practice. Together, with your bold leadership, we can create a world where all LGBT people are accepted without exception.”

Sanjay Sood-Smith, executive director at Stonewall, said: "We spend most of our lives at work, so getting workplace inclusion right makes a huge difference in the lives of so many LGBT people. Every year, our list of the Top 100 employers show us who’s leading the way when it comes to creating a work environment where LGBT people can thrive and be themselves in the UK.

"Newcastle City Council is paving the way for others to follow when it comes to putting LGBT inclusion and equality at the heart of their workplace. When staff feel comfortable, happy and understood, they will perform much better than if they’re having to hide who they are, or if they’re scared to go to work for fear of abuse.

"Whether you’re a global corporation or a local business, you have the power to protect and support LGBT people with accepting workplace environments where staff can bring their full selves to work. The more organisations that stand up for equality, the sooner we will live in a world where all LGBT people are accepted without exception."

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