Proud to be one of most LGBT-inclusive employers in Britain

We are very proud to have been included in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers 2018 list.

The list is the 100 most LGBT-inclusive employers in Britain and being included is in recognition of the outstanding work we had done over the past year to make sure every LGBT employee is accepted without exception.

The Top 100 Employers list is compiled from Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index – Britain’s leading benchmarking tool for LGBT inclusion in the workplace.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony Forster said: “At the University of Essex we are extremely proud of our diversity, our people and our inclusive spirit and we are delighted to be recognised as one of the most LGBT+ inclusive employers in Britain. This achievement is indicative of how we live out our values and ensure that we are a welcoming and supportive community and a place that feels safe and inclusive for all members of our community, no matter who they are or where they come from.”

Darren Towers, Executive Director at Stonewall said: ”The University of Essex and all those who have made this year’s Top 100 Employers list have done a fantastic job. Taking part in our Index shows real commitment to understanding and advancing LGBT equality. This year, for the first time, the Index looked at what employers were doing for trans equality in the workplace.

“This work is crucial. We recently published LGBT in Britain: Trans Report, which revealed the profound inequality facing trans people in Britain today. Half of trans people have hidden their identity at work for fear of discrimination. This must change and it’s encouraging to see so many organisations make a commitment to trans equality. With their support and hard work we can create a world where all lesbian, gay, bi and trans employees are welcomed and accepted without exception.”

Taran Baragwanath, our Students' Union LGBQ+ Officer, said: "The Students’ Union is really proud to have been a part of the University’s Stonewall Workplace Equality Submission. The SU’s LGBTQ+ Network is a really important resource for students and staff at the University of Essex.

"Over the last 12 months, we’ve held a Campus Pride event, introduced staff LGBT+ Sensitivity Training, re-launched Essex’s LGBTQ+ night out, organised a Trans Awareness Week, and increased the number of gender neutral bathrooms."

Organisations that enter Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index compile an evidence-based submission, from policy to community engagement. To complement the submission, Stonewall also seeks feedback directly from entrants’ employees through a survey covering key indicators of workplace culture. Submissions are marked by internal Stonewall experts, cross-checked and then ranked, with the top 100 organisations celebrated as Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers for LGBT people.