University of Sheffield ranked as a top employer for LGBT+ workplace equality

Stonewall Workplace Index Equality Index 2019 has once again ranked the University of Sheffield as one of the top employers for workplace equality.

LGBT+ charity Stonewall, which works with institutions to create accepting and inclusive cultures, has placed the university near the top of the list, at number 23, an outstanding achievement.

The University of Sheffield recognises that creating a safe and inclusive environment in which LGBT+ employees and students feel accepted is vital. Through the Open@TUoS initiative, a programme designed to boost the university's levels of inclusion, this has largely been achieved.

Through a range of methods such as professionally training staff to understand and practice trans inclusion, promoting LGBT+ events and wearing rainbow lanyards, the programme has contributed towards making the university a better and safer place.

Professor Gill Valentine, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor and the University's Senior LGBT+ Champion, said: "Over the 30 years there has been real and positive change in relation to equality and diversity in the workplace and the University of Sheffield has been at the forefront of many innovative initiatives to enable LGBT+ staff and students to reach their full potential".

Despite the university's progress so far, it is noted that LGBT+ employees and students continue to experience levels of exclusion and discrimination to an extent, there is more work to be done.

Therefore, the university will continue to work hard to improve our environment, making it an increasingly better institution to work and study at.

Featured image credit: Chris J Dixon