News Centre

Recognising equality in the workplace

21 January 2013

Stonewall logo 2013

For the third consecutive year Cardiff University has made it into Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers in recognition of its commitment to equality for lesbian, gay and bisexual employees.

Ranked 55^th, Cardiff is one of only six universities to feature in this year’s index which is compiled by gay rights charity Stonewall. The index is based on a range of key indicators which include a confidential survey of lesbian, gay and bisexual employees, with nearly 9,000 participants.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan said: "Cardiff’s continued presence in the Stonewall Top 100 underlines our sustained commitment to ensuring an inclusive, welcoming and productive working environment for all staff."

The work of the University’s LGBT+ network Enfys was also recognised by Stonewall who named it as one of their ‘Star Performer Network Groups’. Recognition in this category is given to groups who are considered to have made an invaluable contribution to the experience of LGBT+ staff in their organisation and beyond.

Karen Cooke, Chair of Enfys said: "The Stonewall Workplace Equality Index is an incredibly competitive process with 376 employers trying to get in to the Top 100. It isn’t the entire focus of what we do here at Cardiff but it does provide us with a framework to ensure that we keep heading in the right direction.

"I’m especially pleased that Enfys has been recognised with a Star Performer award and want to take this opportunity to thank the rest of the committee for all of their support. The work doesn’t stop - we need to continue to do everything we can to create an inclusive environment where our LGBT+ staff and students can be themselves."

In 2012 Cardiff was also recognised by Stonewall for its commitment to supporting lesbian, gay and bisexual students, scoring full marks in the 2012 Gay by Degree checklist.

Ben Summerskill, Stonewall Chief Executive added: "Every employer in the Top 100 has performed impressively. Britain's 1.7 million gay staff and 150,000 gay university students can now confidently use the Index to select a welcoming employer, or look further, safe in the knowledge that they are protected from discrimination."