L&Q named one of Britain's top 100 LGBT-inclusive employers by Stonewall

L&Q has been named one of the most inclusive employers by lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality charity Stonewall in its Top 100 Employers list for 2022.

We have placed 100th on this year’s list.

The placement marks the sixth time in nine years that L&Q has featured in the LGBTQ+ charity’s list.

Stonewall’s Top 100 employers list ranks organisations on their efforts and commitment to creating welcoming environments for their lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer staff.

Organisations are ranked by a set of standardised criteria, which includes ensuring HR policies are inclusive of LGBT+ people, as well as supporting and celebrating LGBT+ identities at work.

According to the charity’s research, more than a third of LGBT+ staff (35%) hide who they are at work, while one in five (18 per cent) have been the target of negative comments because they’re LGBT+.

Jan Gale, Assistant Director of Diversity and Inclusion at L&Q, said:

“We are honoured to be one of Stonewall’s top 100 employers for the sixth time.

"Our re-occurring placements reflect our ongoing commitment to diversity and to creating an inclusive workplace culture for LGBT+ colleagues and residents.

"What has made us even prouder is an acknowledgement of the unique backdrop to these results. This year’s list brought up new challenges including disruption caused by the pandemic and a completely new set of criteria.

“Inclusion is a key value of ours, so to be recognised for our innovative work and effective collaboration is a wonderful achievement.

“We embrace our diversity and our staff network, Spectrum, has helped us to become a better landlord and employer for LGBT+ people.”

Jo Peres, co-chair of Spectrum, said:

“Spectrum co-chairs are delighted with the news. We appreciate L&Q’s commitment and support to LGBT+ inclusivity for staff and residents alike.”

Liz Ward, Director of Programmes at Stonewall (she/her), said:

“We’re delighted for L&Q whose incredible work towards LGBTQ+ inclusion this year has seen them place in the Top 100. Every employer has a duty to make sure that their LGBTQ+ staff are free from discrimination at work, and our Top 100 list, alongside our Workplace Equality Index, helps organisations reflect on their inclusion journey and celebrate best practice.

‘We spend much of our time at work, and our career can be a huge part of how we define ourselves. That’s why it’s vital that every single lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer person feels like they can be themselves in their workplace.”

The full Top 100 list can be found on the Stonewall website, as well as further information about the importance of LGBT+, and more information on how the Top 100 list is created.