Hertfordshire County Council and Hertfordshire NHS Trust are ‘most gay friendly workplaces’ according to Gay and Lesbian charity Stonewall

12:52pm Tuesday 22nd January 2013 in News

By Anna Slater

Herts County Council and Herts NHS Trust listed in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index

Two organisations in Hertfordshire have been recognised as some of the most-gay friendly workplaces in the county, according to a new survey.

Hertfordshire County Council and Herts Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) have been listed in the latest Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.

HPFT is one of only six NHS Trusts in the United Kingdom to feature in the top 100 of the annual database.

James Holland, HPFT’s inclusion and engagement team manager, said: “Sexual orientation can play a significant part in how well someone gets on in the workplace, as many people can fear a negative reaction if they ‘come out’ at work.

“The Trust strives to be an employer of choice where people can be themselves.”

Last year, the trust launched a number of projects to support the gay community, including holding an event for people to share their experiences on homophobia.

The county council, which improved its ranking from 60 to 53, is one of only 18 councils to make the list.

Councillor Derrick Ashley, Cabinet Member for Equality Diversity said: “Our improved position in the index acknowledges the hard work the county council puts into its equality policies.

“We are committed to ensuring we remain an employer that both our current staff and future employees really want to work for.”

Other big companies named include Accenture and the Co-op.

Comment now! Register or sign in below.

Or