Leeds City Council secures a spot on Stonewall’s Top 100 list for leading LGBTQ+ inclusive employers

Coming in at number 70 and securing a gold award, the council was praised for its work in creating a workplace where LGBTQ+ employees feel they can bring their full selves to work. 

The ‘Top 100’ list showcases employers who have demonstrated their commitment to LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.

Leeds City Council has a number of staff networks, including the LGBT+ staff network, that represent staff based on their identity. They help promote increased understanding and awareness around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and act in a 'critical friend' role to support ongoing improvement in the organisational development and cultural change work.

Councillor Hannah Bithell, Leeds City Council’s LGBT+ champion, and Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for equalities, said:

“This fantastic achievement is very timely given this month is LGBT History Month. As one of the largest employers in the city, it’s extremely important that we create a workplace which is inclusive for everyone, and we remain firmly committed to continuing the work we have been doing to ensure we remain at the forefront of LGBT+ inclusivity for both our staff and the people of Leeds. It’s so important that all of our colleagues feel they can come to work and be themselves completely and this achievement is testament to that.”

Kat Denvir, chair of the LGBT+ staff network, said:

“It’s wonderful for us to be awarded a Gold Award by Stonewall especially with the impact the Covid pandemic has continued to have on the Council and our LGBT+ communities in Leeds. It’s a sign that the Council continues to progress in the right direction and recognises the brilliant work being done to improve LGBT+ equality. I remain staunch in my commitment as LGBT+ Staff Network Chair to continue to work with the Council to collaborate, challenge and bring positive change for all staff and the citizens we serve.”

Nancy Kelley, CEO of Stonewall (she/her), said:  

“It’s been fantastic to see all of the work put in by Leeds City Council over the past year to create a workplace where LGBTQ+ staff feel free to thrive as themselves. ‘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 workplace a safer, better and friendlier place for everyone.”