Wrexham University has risen more than 30 places to be ranked in the top 10 in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers List, being recognised for fostering an inclusive working environment for its LGBTQ+ staff.  

Securing Gold Award status and rising within the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index from 41st place to ninth, the university has also been placed in fifth position within the Higher Education sector.

In the past 12 months, the university has made strong progress towards creating an inclusive working environment by increasing community engagement and highlighting its commitment to the institution’s LGBTQ+ community. This has been achieved by hosting stands at local Pride events, as well as forming meaningful partnerships with local community groups.

Areas of good practice within the university recognised by Stonewall included the institution’s family friendly policies, available feedback mechanisms to support ongoing improvement, resources and guidance available to raise staff and student awareness and effective monitoring of information to help inform progress.

Stonewall also commended the institution’s outreach activity that has been undertaken with local LGBTQ+ groups and organisations, supporting their ongoing work.  Good practice was also highlighted in relation to the intersectional approach taken by the institution whereby consideration is given to the increased impact of discrimination upon individuals who have multiple identities.

Alison Bloomfield, Head of Organisational Development and Diversity at the university, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to be ranked ninth in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers List – not only is this an immense jump from last year’s position of 41st but it’s also excellent to see that we’ve been placed fifth within the Higher Education sector.

“I’d like to thank staff, who took the time to complete our staff feedback questionnaire that accompanied the submission, those responses are incredibly valuable and help us to make further improvements.

“Creating inclusive environments makes our learning and working environment safer and better for all – not just LGBTQ+ people. I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank our LGBTQ+ Staff Network and the Organisational Development and Diversity team for the work they have undertaken to achieve this top 10 ranking. I would also like to thank all of our staff for helping to make our university a special and inclusive place to work and learn.”

Colin Macfarlane, Director of Programmes and Income at Stonewall, added:

“Implementing inclusive practices and policies is vital for employers who wish to attract and retain top LGBTQ+ talent.

“The Workplace Equality Index draws participants from diverse industries and sectors, all of whom understand that inclusivity is the future and are leading the way in this vital change. By championing LGBTQ+ employees, you are fostering a happy and motivated workforce and contributing to a UK where LGBTQ+ people can thrive as their true selves.”