Workplace equality

31 January 2011

The University’s pioneering efforts to create a workplace where lesbian, gay and bisexual people can reach their full potential has been recognised by the charity Stonewall.

Cardiff is named as one of the best places to work in the UK for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people in Stonewall’s 2011 list of gay-friendly employers.

The index is based on a range of key indicators which this year included the largest ever confidential survey of LGB employees, with more than 9,000 participants.

Dignity, courtesy and respect are three of Cardiff’s core values and equality and diversity is a key theme of the University’s Positive Working Environment initiative.

The University promotes a culture in which people are treated fairly and with respect and aims to provide appropriate facilities for all staff and students. Cardiff’s policies on sexual orientation strive to eradicate homophobia and transphobia, and ensure that within the sphere of University activities lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people do not face discrimination either on the grounds of their sexual orientation or with regard to other aspects of their identity.

"A workplace where difference is recognised and valued, where people feel comfortable with themselves, and where treatment is fair and equal, is a better and more productive workplace for everyone concerned," said Professor Terry Threadgold, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Staff and Diversity.

"Cardiff is committed to recruiting, retaining and developing the best talent and I’m delighted that our good employment practice has been recognised by Stonewall. We look forward to building on this in the future."

The Index is Britain’s leading tool for employers to measure their efforts to tackle discrimination and create inclusive workplaces for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff. It is used by Britain's 1.7 million gay employees and 150,000 gay university students to decide where to take their talent and skills.

Cardiff was one of five UK universities featuring in the index, and was listed ahead of Cambridge University and Imperial College London. The University was the first employer in Wales to join Stonewall’s ‘Diversity Champions’ and submits an entry for Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index on an annual basis.

Listen to an interview with Karen Cooke, Organisational Development Manager, Human Resources