SHAW Trust has been named as one of the country's most gay-friendly employers by leading gay equality organisation Stonewall.
The national charity, the
Reaching 94th position, Shaw Trust, is the second highest rated charity in the list, and the result has been welcomed by Mark Lomas, Shaw Trust Equality and Diversity Adviser, as a huge achievement for all involved.
The top 100 employers were ranked according to criteria ranging from implementation of effective equality policies, to practical demonstration of good practice in recruitment and mentoring and how they engage with lesbian, bisexual and gay staff, customers and service users.
The 240 employers who entered this year's index needed to gain a minimum score of 71% to reach the top 100.
"I'm very proud and pleased with our progress," said Mark. "When we looked at some of the anecdotal evidence we had, and at some of the systems and procedures which were in place, we realised there was a lot that needed doing and to have got it done since last April was very rewarding."
Improvements included launching a now-thriving LGBT peer network and introducing sexual orientation monitoring.
"This achievement establishes Shaw Trust as an organisation that leads our field in what we do in regards to equality and diversity," added Mark.
"As a disability charity, equality and diversity is at the heart of what we do and what we believe in, not only to improve our services to all communities, but also to improve the employment experiences and opportunities of our staff."
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. For further details, please contact PR Officer Becky Gammon on 07779 784901. Or you can email: crucialpr@shaw-trust.org.uk
2. Shaw Trust is a national charity, formed in 1982, which helps people with disability or disadvantage to find work and achieve independence. We do this not only by delivering government programmes, but also through our own self-funded initiatives, and by campaigning to change attitudes at all levels.
3. Across the
