Eight third sector organisations have been included in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers 2024, the LGBTQ+ charity has said, which is the same number as reported last year.
Charities on the list, which recognises a commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ staff, include St Mungo’s, Touchstone, Victim Support, NHS Confederation, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the King’s Fund and the Action Group.
The top ranked organisation overall was legal firm Linklaters, followed by De Montfort University and HSBC UK.
Private sector organisations made up 54% of the list while public sector organisations accounted for 38%.
Colin Macfarlane, director of programmes and income at Stonewall, said: “Implementing inclusive practices and policies is vital for employers who wish to attract and retain top LGBTQ+ talent.
“The Workplace Equality Index draws participants from diverse industries and we’re incredibly proud to see so many third sector organisations in the Top 100 – all of whom understand that inclusivity is the future and are leading the way in this vital change.
“By championing LGBTQ+ staff, these employers are fostering a happy and motivated workforce and contributing to a UK where LGBTQ+ people can thrive as their true selves.”
Its Workplace Equality Index is a voluntary tool which allows workplaces to measure their progress in building an inclusive environment for gay, lesbian, bi and trans employees in their UK operations, allowing them to identify the steps they can take to build a more equitable workplace.
The Telegraph recently reported that some of Stonewall’s Top 100 employers from 2023 have said they do not want to be included in this year’s rankings.
‘Be mindful of the wider context’
Kevin Taylor-McKnight, founder and campaigner at CharitySoStraight, told Civil Society: “It's good to see that there are some third sector organisations doing well in this year's index. But disappointing that there isn't greater representation.
“However, times are tough, and in tough economic times, many programmes that are seen as 'non essential', are often dropped. So, EDI programmes, like the Stonewall Equality Index, are of course optional, and come with a cost, and time investment, so when charities are faced with tough decisions, often participation in programmes like this gets axed.
“We must however, remain mindful of the wider context that charities are operating in, and the growth of the culture wars we’ve seen over the last few years, and recognise how pervasive this hostile environment is, and how it impacts our sector.”
Taylor-McKnight added that Stonewall has “been under a relentless attack from the right-wing press and social commentators”.
He said: “We shouldn't underestimate the impact these attacks have, and how they are likely to influence charity trustees' appetite for what they might see as ‘risky’ or potentially newsworthy activity.”
“I would go further than that however, and say that based on conversations we have had with several charities, we know they are facing internal pressure to contract, when it comes to activities promoting equity for minoritised communities.
“This manifests in a number of ways, everything from internal staff groups campaigning for prioritisation of their gender-based rights, through to recruitment of trustees who are known to have anti-trans views.
“But I’m not entirely without hope, and it's been good to see some organisations in the sector push back against the right-wing agenda, and boldly speak out, clearly articulating their values.
“So, with a change of government, I'm hopeful, but not yet convinced this 'anti-woke' trajectory will begin to change, and I say I have considerable doubts because they haven't exactly got off to the best start regarding the wider LGBTQIA+ community.”
King’s Fund ‘delighted’
The King’s Fund wrote on social media that it was “delighted” to feature for the second year running.
It said: “The awards recognise employers committed to supporting LGBTQ+ staff, creating an inclusive environment for everyone.
“We’re grateful for the recognition of the hard work done by our teams to create this inclusive working environment. We will continue to do this work and look for ways we can improve.”
This year, several charities which were on the 2023 list were not mentioned, including Wellcome and Mind.
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