University of Brighton top employer for LGBT inclusivity in the south east

Stonewall has named the University of Brighton the most LGBT-inclusive employer in the south east today (January 21).
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Rainbow flag

Sussex Police also made the annual top 100 list by the lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) charity.

The University of Brighton is the region’s highest-ranking organisation at number 72.

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Sussex Police at 81 ranked in the Top 100 for the second year running (47 in 2018).

The list ranks employers from across public, private and third sectors on how LGBT-inclusive their workplaces are.

Professor Debra Humphris, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, said: “We are incredibly proud to be part of Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers and to be recognised for our progress advancing LGBT+ equality. We are dedicated to nurturing a diverse community, including being a University of choice for LGBT+ staff and students and honouring the vibrant LGBT+ community within our region.

“In the last year we launched our LGBT+ Allies Programme and bought together LGBT+ staff, students and allies in our biggest Brighton and Hove Community Pride Parade presence. We have utilised the power of partnerships, hosting the Annual Brighton Trans, Non-Binary and Intersex Conference and taking part in the #MyPronounsAre campaign, which raised awareness of gender identity in Brighton and Hove and beyond.

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“We understand that, regardless of location, there is no room for complacency. Advancing LGBT+ equality is everyone’s business and takes concerted effort and leadership across an institution to remove the barriers that persist for LGBT+ people.”

This year’s Top 100 was the most competitive ever with 445 employers vying for a coveted spot.

Last year, Stonewall released research that showed more than a third of LGBT staff (35 per cent) have hidden they are LGBT at work and almost one in five LGBT employees (18 per cent) have been the target of negative comments from colleagues because of their identity.

Darren Towers, Stonewall’s executive director said: “University of Brighton and all the organisations in the South East who have made this year’s Top 100 Employers list are making a huge difference to workplaces, services and communities across the region. LGBT-inclusive employers play a crucial role in changing society by using their power and influence to protect and support LGBT people.

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“With so many organisations 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.’

For the full results of the Top 100 list, visit: www.stonewall.org.uk/t1002019