Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

I've just joined the programme, what do I do now?
How do I log into the Diversity Champion forums?
How do I request additional log in details for colleagues?
How can I order or download Stonewall's latest research, guides and publications?
Who is my main point of contact?
What is the Workplace Equality Index?
I want to take part in the Workplace Equality Index, what should I do?
I want to utilize my free page feature in the Starting Out Recruitment Guide, what should I do?
How do we send staff to participate in the Leadership programme?
Should I attend the Workplace Conference?
How do I book on the next seminar?
How often do I have to renew my membership?
How can I request a speaker from Stonewall?
Can I get in contact with people from other Diversity Champions?
I'd like to implement something in my workplace, who should I talk to for advice?
How do I keep in touch with the Workplace team and what they're doing?
I'd like to go to a Stonewall event but I'm not sure it's related to the Diversity Champions programme, can I still go?
I'd like to start using the Diversity Champions logo where can I get it?
I've seen the Stonewall Top Employer logo, how do I get it?

I've just joined the programme, what do I do now?

Welcome to the programme! There are many ways to engage with Stonewall as a member of the Diversity Champions programme, intended to help you perform as an employer of choice for lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

You'll receive a welcome pack soon after joining which will indicate your point of contact at Stonewall, and contain information relating to upcoming events and programmes. Your contact will set up a meeting to visit you and discuss your next steps. If you're in a hurry to get involved, you can always call us on 020 7593 1868 or email us at workplace@stonewall.org.uk.

The Diversity Champion forums are a great way to network with other Diversity Champions and get the latest news on what's going on. They are accessible to all Diversity Champions. To log in, go to www.stonewall.org.uk/dcforum, and enter your login details where prompted. To request a new username and password, or to recover your lost details, email dcforumadmin@stonewall.org.uk.

Each user will need a unique login name and password to use the forums. To request additional users, email us at dcforumadmin@stonewall.org.uk.

The Workplace team has produced several guides and pieces of research intended to help Diversity Champions implement new practice and develop existing programmes. All Stonewall's Workplace research, our guides and other publications are available to download in PDF format at www.stonewall.org.uk/workplace/resources. To order hard copies of these, please email workplace@stonewall.org.uk. Limited copies are available free of charge to Diversity Champion's, but a fee may be incurred to cover the costs of postage and packaging.

For a wider range of Stonewall research and publications, including the varied work of our policy team, please visit www.stonewall.org.uk/what_we_do/2583.asp.

Each Diversity Champion is assigned a main point of contact within the Workplace team. This contact is available by email and phone at all times and will be there to guide and assist your involvement in the programme. To find out who your main point of contact is, call the workplace team on 020 7593 1868 or email us at workplace@stonewall.org.uk.

The Workplace Equality Index is produced annually to audit the policies, practice and employee experiences of workplaces around the country. The Workplace team uses the Index to help organisations develop more inclusive workplace environments for their lesbian, gay and bisexual staff.

Participation in the Index is free of charge and open to all organisations regardless of their status as a Diversity Champion. Each year, the submission window opens in April and closes at the beginning of September. Each submission is done online, and supporting evidence is emailed or sent in to the Stonewall office to be audited and marked.

Top ranking organisations are published in Stonewall's Top Employers List on an annual basis and the results and findings of the research are released as a useful guide to best practice. Those organisations that feature in the list receive a 'Top Employer' logo to use on their website, letterheads and in advertising.

You can see the latest news on the Workplace Equality Index on our website, at www.stonewall.org.uk/wei. Your point of contact will notify you when the Index opens for entries in spring and any will give you any deadlines for submission. They will also provide a unique username and password to access your online submission. Evidence to support your entry should be emailed or sent to the Stonewall office. Further details of how to participate and where to send your evidence are available on our website.

The Starting Out Recruitment Guide is produced annually as a guide for students, graduates and those seeking a career change to highlight the UK's friendliest places to work for lesbian, gay and bisexual people. The guide is also published online at www.startingout.org.uk.

Participation in the guide is free of charge and available to all Diversity Champions. The guide is published in October of every year and you will be made aware of the deadlines for entry by your point of contact. You can see the latest news on the Starting Out Recruitment Guide on our website at www.stonewall.org.uk/recruitmentguide.

The Leadership programme is the only career development and leadership programme aimed specifically at developing the potential of lesbian, gay and bisexual leaders in the UK. The programme is available at a reduced rate for Diversity Champions, and takes place annually over several days towards the end of the year. There is no limit to how many individuals an organisation can send to participate.

All applicants are considered, although there a limited number of places. You can apply for the course online at www.stonewall.org.uk/leadership.

The Workplace conference is a one day event attended by HR and equality and diversity professionals and staff network group members. Our conferences feature high profile guest speakers and a range of breakout sessions and seminars exploring topical best practice and the latest research and legislation.

It is also a great opportunity to network with colleagues from your sector and Stonewall staff who will be able to answer your questions and offer guidance. The day includes lunch and a wine reception in the evening, and is held annually in the spring, at a venue in London. For more information on the Workplace conference please see our website at www.stonewall.org.uk/workplace/conference.

Our seminar programme is an exclusive member benefit for Diversity Champions. We hold up to six seminars each year, with further regional seminars around the country and attendance is free of charge. Seminar content focuses on best practice and recent research conducted by Stonewall.

You can find an upcoming list of seminars as well as information on how to book your place on our website at http://www.stonewall.org.uk/workplace/1928.asp.

Membership of the Diversity Champions programme is renewed on an annual basis from the date you joined the programme. You will be notified in advance of your renewal deadline.

Stonewall has a talented and inspirational team of policy and best practice experts who are available to speak at public events, to present seminars, and attend meetings with senior staff and network groups. We are able to draw on expertise from across the education, policy, public affairs and workplace teams as needed. Click here for more information on requesting a speaker from Stonewall.

It is easy to network and meet other equality and diversity professionals through the Diversity Champions programme. In addition to face to face meetings at events, seminars and conferences, we also have an online forum. As a user of the online forum you will have the opportunity to directly chat to other users and share details.

You should always look to your main point of contact for advice. They are available to contact by phone and email at all times and can provide you with invaluable guidance on workplace practices. Your contact is an expert on practice across your sector and region and will be able to share their knowledge base.

To find out who your contact is, call the workplace team on 020 7593 1868 or email us at workplace@stonewall.org.uk.

The Workplace team has an active annual calendar. To make sure you're keeping up with the latest events, seminars and research, make sure you sign up to receive our monthly Diversity Champions e-bulletin. The e-bulletin goes straight to your inbox at the beginning of every month and contains upcoming programmes and events that you're able to take part in.

To ensure you're on the mailing list, please email your details to workplace@stonewall.org.uk.

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I'd like to go to a Stonewall event but I'm not sure it's related to the Diversity Champions programme, can I still go?

Stonewall is made of several departments, including the Workplace programmes team. Some of our events are exclusive to our departments, some are held for our supporters, and some are open to all. If you're interested in attending an event but not sure if you're invited, drop an email to the workplace team at workplace@stonewall.org.uk. We'll let you know as soon as possible.

The use of our recognised logo is one of the benefits of the Diversity Champions programme. It's a great tool to show potential employees that you're committed to equality, and can be used in advertising, in letterheads, email signatures and online. The logo is available to download as an EPS or JPEG from our members' forums. You can also request a copy by emailing the workplace team at workplace@stonewall.org.uk.

The Workplace team at Stonewall produce an annual report on the best employers for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff in the UK, Stonewall's Top Employers. The report is based on the results of our annual Workplace Equality Index, which audits organisations on their performance and commitment to creating an inclusive environment for lesbian, gay and bisexual employees. Those organisations that score highly in the Index receive a Top Employer logo to authenticate their status as a good employer.

For more information on the Workplace Equality Index, how to take part and to see a list of previous winners, please see our website here: www.stonewall.org.uk/wei.

Questions: contact Stonewall's Workplace team on 020 7593 1850