Workplace Equality
31 January 2012
Professor Terry Threadgold at the Stonewall Cymru Awards
Workplace Equality
Cardiff University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Staff and Diversity, Professor Terry Threadgold has been named Stonewall Cymru’s Wales Workplace Champion of the Year for her work on Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) equality issues.
The award came as the University was ranked 49th in the Stonewall Top 100 Employers 2012 Workplace Equality Index in recognition of its commitment to equality for lesbian, gay and bisexual employees.
This is the second consecutive year that the University has entered the Top 100 and marks a rise of more than thirty places over the past twelve months.
Stonewall Cymru’s ‘Welsh Workplace Champion of the Year’ award recognises senior leaders that have had a transformative effect on the culture of their organisation and the workplace experience of lesbian, gay and bisexual staff.
The Index benchmarks the progress made by UK organisations on lesbian, gay and bisexual equality within the workplace and remains a powerful tool used by Britain's 1.7 million gay employees and 150,000 gay university students to decide where to take their talent and skills.
Professor Threadgold said: “I’m delighted that our good employment practice has again been recognised and thrilled to be honoured personally by Stonewall Cymru in this way. Cardiff’s ranking demonstrates our continued commitment to equality and ensuring an inclusive, welcoming and productive workplace. “
Dignity, courtesy and respect are three of Cardiff University’s core values and equality and diversity is a key theme of the University’s Positive Working Environment initiative.
Karen Cooke, Chair of the staff LGBT+ network Enfys said: “Our achievement in the Index this year is really pleasing and represents the hard work of many people to raise the profile of LGBT+ equality. The Stonewall Index is a useful benchmark but is by no means the be all and end all of the work that still needs to be done around the University.
“I am equally thrilled that Terry is being recognised for her huge contribution to the network and LGBT+ staff in general. Many members of staff will be unaware of her significant contribution but it is fair to say that we would not have achieved what we have achieved without her support and professionalism. Having senior staff engaged and committed to the LGBT+ agenda is essential.”
Director of Stonewall Cymru, Andrew White added: ““Support from senior management is crucial in creating inclusive and equal workplaces for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff. It is clear from the feedback that we have received from Cardiff University’s staff that Professor Threadgold and her team have been a huge factor in the organisation’s success in this year’s Workplace Equality Index.
“I would like to congratulate the Pro Vice-Chancellor on being named ‘Welsh Workplace Champion’ 2012 and hope her work will continue to make improvements to the lives of Cardiff University’s staff and students – giving them the opportunity to truly be themselves and perform better as a result.”
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