Sheffield City Council is one of the most gay-friendly employers in the UK, according to the lobbying and research organisation, Stonewall.

In Stonewall’s 2008 Workplace Equality Index, Sheffield City Council has been ranked amongst the top 11 scores, with a mark of 86%. Of the 21 local authorities who made it into the top 100, Sheffield Council is ranked the 4th local authority.

Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index is the definitive national benchmarking exercise showcasing Britain’s top employers for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff.

The Workplace Equality Index ranks employers according to a number of criteria. These include effective communication with lesbian and gay staff and service users.

As well as taking part in the Workplace Equality Index, Sheffield City Council also participates in Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme. It first joined in June 2004 and, according to Stonewall, ‘has been an active and valued member ever since.’ The Council has clearly defined and well communicated policies around equality issues, which covers sexual orientation as well as gender, disability, ethnicity, age and faith.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Jan Wilson said: “This is another fantastic result for Sheffield and highlights our commitment to promote equality and diversity in the workplace.”

The 2008 overall winner is NACRO, with the Greater London Authority in second place.

For more information about the work we are doing in Sheffield City Council visit our website at www.sheffield.org.uk. For more information about Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index go to www.stonewall.org.uk/workplace/1477.asp