NHS Business Services Authority and Clifford Chance named top for LGBTQ inclusion

Public body NHS Business Services Authority, law firm Clifford Chance and design firm Arup have been listed on Stonewall’s 2023 Top 100 Employers list of LGBTQ inclusive workplaces.

The charity for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer rights compiles its list based on the Workplace Equality Index each year, comprising employers from the public, private and third sectors.

The list recognises employers which create inclusive environments and make the workplace safer and better for everyone, not just LGBTQ+ people, as well as introducing benefits and guidance designed to support trans and non-binary employees, implement LGBTQ+ inclusive policies that cover family leave, menopause and dress codes, and setting up training around the subject.

The top 10 employers were:

1. Clifford Chance
2. Arup
3. Victim Support
4. NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA)
5. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service
6. Jacobs Engineering Group
7. Stockport Homes Group
8. KPMG
9. Linklaters
10. Citi

Nancy Kelley, chief executive officer of Stonewall, said: “For many of us, the majority of our time is spent at work, so if we have to hide who we are it can take an enormous personal toll and hold us back from fulfilling our true potential. Creating environments where we can all feel comfortable makes our workplaces a safer, better, and friendlier place for everyone and helps staff be proud of who they are.”

Michael Brodie, chief executive at NHSBSA, added: “We've been recognised as top health and social care employer in the index, ranked fourth in the UK and received the gold award, but most of all I'm proud that our LGBTQ+ staff engagement network has received the highly commended network group award.

"Our LGBTQ+ Network supports colleagues, raises awareness, assesses decision making and enables innovative approaches to make our organisation stronger. It has really helped created an environment where staff can give and be their best and bring their whole selves to work.”

Katy Kasper, head of human resources at Capital One UK, said: “Our position is a recognition of our ongoing efforts to ensure all colleagues across the business can be their authentic selves and their opinions, beliefs, and ideas valued within our community. We remain focused on understanding and advancing LGBTQ+ equality, so we are able to offer an inclusive working environment for all.”

Helen Hodgkinson, chief people officer at TLT, added: “A people first approach and inclusivity work hand in hand and we are extremely proud of the culture we have built at TLT where everyone feels they’re able to bring their authentic selves to work. We’re delighted to have our efforts recognised and verified externally by Stonewall’s workplace equality index, achieving gold for a second year in a row, as well as being ranked among its top 100 employers 2023.”