University of Brighton rises to 14 in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers List

The university has also won a Stonewall Gold Award in recognition of its work in creating a welcoming workplace for lesbian, gay, bi and trans employees.

The Stonewall Top 100 Employers List recognises exceptional employers who are committed to supporting their LGBTQ+ staff and ensuring an inclusive environment for all. It is compiled by the LGBTQ+ rights charity from its Workplace Equality Index, the UK’s leading benchmarking tool for LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Stonewall’s Gold, Silver and Bronze awards are designed to give employers a clear path of progression through the Index. There are three points thresholds to meet for each level of award – an overall points threshold, a trans-specific points threshold and a bi-specific points threshold. Brighton met all three to be eligible for a gold award.

The university’s success in both the ranking and the award was based on a number of initiatives, including its dedicated support for trans and non-binary staff and students; LGBTQ+ Awareness, Trans Awareness and Active Bystander training; and its inclusive language guidance.

The submission also cited the work of the Centre for Transforming Sexuality & Gender, whose researchers focus on themes related to sexuality, gender and social change with a core focus on producing research with community partners that impacts on policy and practice.

Professor Debra Humphris CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, said:

“I’m immensely proud of how far we’ve come over the years in building a truly inclusive workplace which has actively fought to turn the tide on homophobia, bi-phobia and transphobia.

 This is a subject which is close to my heart. As one of the few openly gay university vice-chancellors in the UK, I’ve spoken publicly about my own experience of prejudice within the workplace at points in my career, and I’m so glad that the generations who have come after me are able to thrive in classrooms and workspaces where they are free to be themselves. But the work must continue.”

Completing the Workplace Equality Index (WEI) is a voluntary exercise that enables employers to measure and improve their inclusion practices. The university last took part in 2019, when it was placed at number 72.

A Stonewall survey in 2018 found that more than a third of LGBT staff (35 per cent) have hidden who they are at work for fear of discrimination. This means that LGBTQ+ people often feel that they have limited options when applying for jobs – or that the work culture isn’t for them when they do land a job.

Colin Macfarlane, Director of Programmes and Income at Stonewall (he/him), said:

“Implementing inclusive practices and policies is vital for employers who wish to attract and retain top LGBTQ+ talent. The Workplace Equality Index draws participants from diverse industries and sectors, all of whom understand that inclusivity is the future and are leading the way in this vital change. 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.”