Manchester’s universities ranked in the top 20 best employers in the UK for LGBT staff

Manchester Metropolitan University is one of the UK’s top 20 best employers for lesbian, gay, bi and trans staff – and joint second for education institutions – according to the Stonewall 2018 equality index published today (January 31).

The Stonewall Top 100 Employers list places the University in 16^th position, marking a considerable rise from 41^st last year.

The Workplace Equality Index, now in its 14^th year, celebrates the pioneering efforts of organisations to create inclusive workplaces and is free for any employer to enter.

Leading the way for Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan and the University of Manchester are joint second for education institutions.

Professor Jean-Noel Ezingeard, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “We are incredibly proud to have been ranked as one of the UK’s most inclusive employers and it is wonderful recognition of the hard work from colleagues who ensure we are an open, supportive and inclusive organisation.

“We want staff and students to succeed and feel supported in their quest to achieve their ambitions. It is also fantastic to be ranked as one of the UK’s best education institutions in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index 2018.

“However, we won’t stand still and will continue to strive to make Manchester Metropolitan a place that always celebrates and welcomes diversity.”

It marks a successful 12 months for the University’s inclusivity programmes, which included: a series of events for the Superbia weekend, hosted at No. 70 Oxford Street, celebrating LGBT life across Greater Manchester; the University’s best-ever attendance at the Manchester Pride festival; and a successful LGBT allies recruitment campaign.

Manchester Metropolitan also hosted an LGBT parenting conference in collaboration with The People’s History Museum, The LGBT Foundation and The Proud Trust.

Employers are judged on 10 criteria by Stonewall, which range from LGBT employee networks to community engagement to support from senior leadership. Feedback is also sought directly from employees to provide an extra level of scrutiny to organisation’s inclusivity credentials.

In total, 434 employers submitted entries to the 2018 Index, across the public, private and third sectors. There were more than 92,000 responses to the staff survey, making it one of the largest national employment surveys in Britain.

Darren Towers, Executive Director, Stonewall, said: “Manchester Metropolitan University and all those who have made this year’s Top 100 Employers list have done a fantastic job. Taking part in our Index shows real commitment to understanding and advancing LGBT equality. This year, for the first time, the Index looked at what employers were doing for trans equality in the workplace. This work is crucial.

“We recently published LGBT in Britain: Trans Report, which revealed the profound inequality facing trans people in Britain today. Half of trans people have hidden their identity at work for fear of discrimination. This must change and it’s encouraging to see so many organisations make a commitment to trans equality. With their support and hard work we can create a world where all lesbian, gay, bi and trans employees are welcomed and accepted without exception.”

Stuart McKenna, Equality and Diversity Manager at Manchester Metropolitan, added: “The 2018 Index marks the second consecutive year we have climbed the table, testament to the hard work of colleagues who help to embed inclusivity throughout all of our working practices.”