Hackney one of the top 100 gay-friendly employers in the UK » Communities » 24dash.com

HACKNEY Council is one of the top 100 gay-friendly employers in the country, according to Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index.

The 2008 Index, which showcases Britain’s top 100 employers for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people, ranks Hackney Council at number 78.

Hackney is one of only three London boroughs to make it into the Index, and one of a total of 20 councils nationwide.

Cllr Karen Alcock, Cabinet Member for Equalities, said: "Getting into the Top 100 of Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index further illustrates our commitment to celebrating diversity and promoting equality for all.

"We acknowledge Hackney’s diversity makes this borough unique and how important it is to have a workplace environment free of discrimination, where diversity is welcomed and equality promoted, allowing all staff to reach their full potential."

Ranking is based on a 20-question survey covering policy and practice, which is designed to provide an accurate sample of workplace culture.

Michelle Fullerton, Stonewall Manager of Workplace Programmes, said: “It is fantastic to see London Boroughs such as Hackney improve their workplace for LGB colleagues, and promote a work environment where people perform better because they can be themselves.”

Hackney Council also joined Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme in March last year, which aims to promote LGB equality in the workplace and eliminate discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

Working with Stonewall allows the Council to network with organisations from different sectors, as well as gaining access to workplace guides and seminars on promoting equality and eliminating discrimination.

In addition to signing up to the programme, the Council has established a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Staff Forum.

The forum provides an opportunity for staff of all grades and backgrounds to identify issues concerning their experiences as employees, offer support to each other and act as a representative consultative body.