Proud Employers – Stonewall unveils new approach to workplace inclusion in a challenging era of LGBTQ+ rights
Stonewall gathered business leaders to announce the launch of our new approach to workplace inclusion, Proud Employers, alongside a new kitemarking scheme designed to recognise employers leading the way in LGBTQ+ inclusion.
To mark the launch, Stonewall’s CEO Simon Blake OBE was joined by Government Equalities Minister Dame Nia Griffith MP at the London Stock Exchange for its market close ceremony.
The launch of Proud Employers comes only days after we unveiled a new strategic approach and a refreshed visual identity at Pride in London. Together with our re-imagined approach to workplace inclusion, we're refocusing to meet the challenges facing LGBTQ+ people with renewed focus and commitment.
The new workplace approach is unveiled as results of a new YouGov poll, commissioned by Stonewall, reveal under half (44%) of the UK public believe that current employment rights aimed at ensuring LGBTQ+ people are treated equally in the workplace get the balance about right.
The poll also revealed over two thirds (69%) of the UK public believe the country is inclusive towards LGBTQ+ people, and the vast majority of those think this inclusivity is a good thing. Three in five (60%) would see a shift to more negative attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people as unwelcome.
The polling comes as the LGBTQ+ community sees hard won rights under threat globally.
Simon Blake OBE, CEO of Stonewall said:
“Today we launch our workplace inclusion programme Proud Employers, part of Stonewall’s new strategic direction, in the heart of London’s business community.
“Despite the progress we’ve made with others, there is still so much more to do. Global rights and the principles of inclusion are under threat.
“We have been supporting workplaces for over 20 years. Times have changed since this work began, but the business case for inclusion has not – inclusion matters. We must continue working to create a society and working environment that supports LGBTQ+ people to thrive. Inclusion makes business sense for organisations too - it supports growth, enables them to keep good people and drives success.
“Proud Employers will support workplaces in LGBTQ+ inclusion and enable them to demonstrate their commitment.
“Sadly we are yet again in turbulent times, similar to when I was growing up. We must stand together in courage, unity and hope.”
Speaking at the event, Minister for Equalities Dame Nia Griffith MP said:
"It's a real pleasure to … launch Stonewall’s new strategy: In Courage and Unity, is Hope. Those words feel particularly resonant this year. It takes courage to speak up, to show up, and to live authentically. It takes unity to build real, lasting change. And hope is what keeps our movement moving forward.
“I want to thank Stonewall for its decades of work in driving that progress, and for continuing to lead with both principle and purpose. You have transformed not just policies, but culture, and you’ve helped ensure that so many more people feel proud of who they are.
“When workplaces embrace diversity, everyone benefits. Because inclusion is not just good ethics. It’s good business too … everyone should be able to bring their whole selves to work.”
Stonewall's new strategy - ‘In courage and unity, is hope’
In our new strategy, we're deepening our focus on equality under the law for all LGBTQ+ people, despite global uncertainty.
The new strategy states: "Globally we are in the midst of a cultural backlash and moral panic. It is a time of regressive laws, curtailing freedoms, and the rise of populist movements. We are reminded yet again that hard-won rights are not always secure. We are undoubtedly in another period of turbulence."
As we approach our 40th birthday, we will focus on three core pillars: navigating turbulent times, shaping policy and inclusive places. We will return to our roots as pragmatic conveners resisting the rollback of rights for all LGBTQ+ people and advocating for progress with politicians and business leaders.
From being one of the few LGBTQ+ charities in the 1980s, Stonewall is now part of more than 3000 organisations in the sector.
Adding a vision of delivering equality under the law, the new strategy adds: "Together we must educate, motivate, and inspire lawmakers to support equality, and continue shaping the legislative and policy landscape to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people.”
