The UK’s 100 best employers for LGBTQ+ people, according to Stonewall
Stonewall has released its annual Top 100 Employers list. (Getty Images/PinkNews)
Stonewall has released their annual Top 100 Employers list, highlighting the most inclusive workplaces for LGBTQ+ employees in the UK.
The list is compiled through the charity’s Workplace Equality Index, a free and voluntary benchmarking tool to which businesses submit their names. The submissions are marked against a standardised criteria and the employers are picked out for their dedication in making their workplace a welcoming environment for their queer staff.
Stonewall’s list serves as a valuable resource for LGBTQ+ people to identify the most inclusive employers.
“Implementing inclusive practices and policies is vital for employers who wish to attract and retain top LGBTQ+ talent,” said Colin Macfarlane, the director of programmes and income at Stonewall. “By championing LGBTQ+ employees, you are fostering a happy and motivated workforce and contributing to a UK where LGBTQ+ people can thrive as their true selves.”
This year’s list features a range of companies from an array of industries and sectors, right at top in 2024 is London-based global law firm Linklaters.
Angela Ogilvie, the chief human resources officer and executive committee LGBTQIA+ champion at Linklaters said: “We’re thrilled to be recognised as the top employer in this year’s Stonewall Top 100 Employers list. Our people are the key to our success, and this ranking really highlights the inclusive and supportive environment we’ve built.
“Here, diversity is more than just supported, it’s celebrated, sparking innovation and helping us better serve our clients and our community.”
Whitbread, the owners of Premiere Inn, cracked the top 10 for the first time after placing 110 in 2022.
“Being recognised as an inclusive LGBTQIA+ business is special, we strive to be the most inclusive business where both our teams and guests can be their best selves,” said Janet Tidmarsh, head of inclusion and development.
“Being placed at #10 in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index is down to a collaborative effort across our business to make important changes that achieve greater inclusion for LGBTQIA+ people and demonstrates the commitment we are making.
“We recognise our work is not complete and we continue to review ways to improve. However, we are delighted with this news and will be celebrating with our teams across the business.”
The complete list
Here’s a full list of the Top 100 Employers for LGBTQ+ employees as recognised by Stonewall, in no particular order:
- Linklaters
- De Montfort University
- HSBC UK
- Touchstone
- Swansea University
- Vodafone
- The University of Manchester
- Aviva
- Teesside University
- Wrexham University
- Whitbread PLC
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
- Bank of America
- The University of Derby
- Clifford Chance
- OC&C Strategy Consultants
- The University of Brighton
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP - Shepherd and Wedderburn
- Thoughtworks
- Slaughter and May
- Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust,
- Pearson
- Deutsche Bank
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Sage Publications
- Tesco Stores Ltd
- EY
- KPMG
- Santander UK
- The University of Sussex
- Public Health Wales
- NHS Blood and Transplant
- City of Wolverhampton
- Imperial College London
- Greater Manchester Combined Authority (Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service)
- Penningtons Manches Cooper
- Sky UK, Societe Generale
- Cardiff Council
- Omnicom Media Group
- Stockport Homes Group
- Victims Support
- Danske Bank U,
- March McLennan
- ITV
- St Mungo’s
- Brunel University London
- AXA UK
- Experian Ltd
- NatWest Group
- Prifysgol Aberystwyth University
- Fitch Group
- Old Pak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC)
- WSP UK Ltd
- Irwin Mitchell
- Wickes
- Zurich Insurance UK
- London South Bank University (LSBU)
- M&S Bank
- NHS Confederation
- Bank of England
- Lancaster University
- The University of Huddersfield
- Morgan Stanley
- RPC Law
- The Royal College of Psychiatrists
- Greater London Authority (GLA)
- Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
- Reckitt
- TSB Bank
- BAE Systems
- Womble Bond Dickinson
- Leicestershire County Council
- Nationwide
- Boots and No7 Beauty Company
- Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital NHS Trust
- Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
- Osborne Clarke LLP
- CloudCall
- Grant Thornton UK LLP
- Keele University
- Dorchester Collection
- University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
- Lambeth Council
- The King’s Fund
- Financial Conduct Authority
- The Prince’s Trust
- The University of Salford
- Leeds City Council
- Gower College Swansea
- The Stepstone Group
- Coty UKI
- London South East Colleges
- Budweiser Brewing Group UKI, GKS
- The Action Group
- The Vale of Glamorgan Council
- Evershed Sutherland
- Gately Plc
- Knight Frank
- Liverpool Football Club
- Virgin Money
- Equan UK & Ireland
- Jardine Motors Group
- The University of Hertfordshire
