DWF has moved 58 places up in the Stonewall benchmark which produces the annual ranking to showcase the UK's top LGBT+ friendly employers. This year, a record 445 organisations entered the Workplace Equality Index.
Stephen Miles, CEO of Commercial Services, Executive Sponsor for LGBT+ Inclusion at DWF, said: "Over the past year, we have taken further steps to empower our people and ensure LGBT+ colleagues have the confidence to be visible and influential. We became a Stonewall Global Diversity Champion to support initiatives that boost inclusivity internationally and we launched our LGBT+ Ally toolkit. We also mentored smaller organisations on how to become LGBT+ inclusive employers. Inclusion is a vital component of our culture and values and key to the way we do business. We are therefore proud to be recognised again as a leading LGBT+ business by Stonewall."
Darren Towers, Stonewall’s Executive Director, said: "DWF 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 DWF 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."
