STONEWALL NAMES NEWHAM COLLEGE ONE OF BRITAIN’S TOP 100 LGBT-INCLUSIVE EMPLOYERS

STONEWALL NAMES NEWHAM COLLEGE ONE OF BRITAIN’S TOP 100 LGBT-INCLUSIVE EMPLOYERS

Newham College has been named one of the most inclusive employers in Britain by lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality charity Stonewall in its Top 100 Employers list for 2019. Newham College has been ranked 56 in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, (WEI) 2019, which is 7 places up from last year when the College was ranked 63.

This puts Newham College in equal place with the Department for Education and makes it the highest ranking organisation within the Further Education sector. The full top 100 list is based on the results of Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index (WEI) 2019, which gathers data about hundreds of organisations nationwide.

This year’s Top 100 was the largest ever with 445 employers entering, demonstrating their commitment to LGBT workplace inclusion, across the public, private and third sectors. As part of the Top 100, Stonewall collects more than 92,000 anonymous responses from employees on their experience of Britain’s workplace culture and diversity. This makes it one of the largest national employment surveys in Britain, with 17,300 LGBT respondents. An overwhelming 93 per cent of non-LGBT employees who responded to the survey, say they understand why their employer is committed to LGBT equality.

Newham College Principal and Chief Executive Paul Stephen said:

“It’s wonderful to have been ranked so highly! We’re extremely pleased because the College is dedicated to championing equality and diversity within its workforce and among its students. Our LGBT committee pioneers a lot of positive initiatives, such as ‘Straight Allies’, which involves staff who actively support their LGBT colleagues, to maintain an open environment where everyone feels comfortable. After all, love makes the world go round; respect keeps it on its axis. People who can be themselves fully achieve great things!”                         

Darren Towers, Stonewall’s Executive Director said:

“Newham College and all those who have made this year’s Top 100 Employers list are making a huge difference to workplaces, services and communities across the UK. LGBT-inclusive employers play a crucial role in changing society by using their power and influence to protect and support LGBT people. More than a third of LGBT staff (35 per cent) still hide their identity at work for fear of discrimination; that has an impact on productivity, wellbeing and more and shows we still have lots to do. However, with organisations like Newham College displaying such a strong commitment to LGBT equality, we are one step closer to creating a world where all lesbian, gay, bi and trans employees are welcomed and accepted without exception.”