Newcastle Hospitals has received national recognition for its commitment to inclusion of LGBTQ+ staff in the workplace.
Today (23 February), the trust received a gold employer award from Stonewall, the world’s second-largest LGBTQ+ charity. For 20 years, the charity has been supporting employers to create welcoming workplaces for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people.
According to the charity’s research, more than a third of LGBTQ+ staff (35 per cent) hide who they are at work, while one in five (18 per cent) have been the target of negative comments because they’re LGBTQ+.
As part of Stonewall’s Bring Yourself To Work, the LGBTQ+ equality charity, has awarded a series of Gold, Silver and Bronze awards to organisations to celebrate their inclusion work. The charity is also highlighting the importance of inclusion for LGBTQ+ people and the life-changing impact of being able to bring your whole self to work.
Liz Ward, Director of Programmes at Stonewall (she/her) said: ‘We spend so much of our time at work, and our career can be a huge part of how we define ourselves. Every single lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer person should be able to be themselves at work.
“From understanding how HR policies, such as parental leave, will affect them, to being reassured that they can speak openly about their lives and partners at the coffee machine, the impact of inclusive workplaces can be life-changing.
‘It’s fantastic that Newcastle Hospitals has gained a gold award for their efforts and commitment to creating an inclusive work environment, and we look forward to seeing and supporting the rest of their inclusion journey.”
The trust’s Chief Executive Dame Jackie Daniel said: “We’re delighted Newcastle Hospitals has received a gold award – as an organisation we recognise and celebrate the value that diversity brings and fully support every member of staff to be their authentic self.
“Members of our Board and Executive team are highly visible in their support for LGBT inclusion and in championing change for staff and patients regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, while our LGBT staff network plays a really important role in ensuring we value and celebrate diversity with passion and energy.”
The Stonewall Top 100 Employers list this year can be found on the Stonewall website, as well as further information about the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Stonewall 
Stonewall is the UK’s leading charity for lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality, working to create a world where every lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer person is free to be themselves – wherever they are. It was founded in 1989 by a small group of people who wanted to break down barriers to equality. Stonewall continues to campaign on LGBT Equality, as well as work with employers and schools to create environments which allow LGBTQ+ people to thrive.   
