Islington Climbs Stonewall Workplace Equality Index
Equalities charity Stonewall today confirmed Islington Council is one of the best places to work for LGBT people.
Islington has been ranked 13th in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers 2015 (the definitive list of Britain’s most gay friendly workplaces) - up from 66th place last year.
397 private and public sector employers took part in the survey this year.
The high ranking was credited to the council's support for LGBT networks, nurturing LGBT staff development, seeking and reflecting the views of LGBT staff and promoting equality in partnership with community organisations.
Islington is the only London authority to be included in the Top 100.
Cllr Richard Watts, leader of Islington Council said:
"Islington Council's commitment to promoting equality at work and positively supporting the LGBT community it employs and serves is real and continues to be recognised.
"Workplace equality still matters - nationally and internationally we know LGBT people continue to face bullying and discrimination.
"I am proud of this year's rise in the rankings which reflects our efforts to create a safe, fair and inclusive workplace where strength in diversity is valued.
"This good news comes ahead of February's LGBT History Month celebrations which will see Britain's largest events programme right here in Camden & Islington."
Simon Feeke, Stonewall Director of Workplace Programmes said:
"Islington Council and every single employer who secured a position on the Stonewall Top 100 Employers 2015 list performed remarkably this year.
"Competition has never been fiercer and the new criteria this year has pushed all of the Top 100 to work harder than ever before."
A year of progress to promote equality among Islington's 5,000 workers and partners has included staff training, strengthening the work of the LGBT Forum, anti-bullying work in schools and developing stronger links with community networks.
The council has also tackled homophobia and raised the profile of Islington’s LGBT community. This has occurred through a range of activities and celebrations including co-hosting Britain’s largest annual celebration of culture through LGBT History Month and the recent Kenneth Halliwell exhibition at the Islington Museum.
Islington supports International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) each May, and also flies the Rainbow Flag for LGBT History Month each February.
In March 2014, Islington played host to the country's first same sex marriage, conducted at the stroke of midnight as the ceremonies became legal.
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