University ranked 30th in Stonewall’s Top 100 Workplace Equality Index

The University of Manchester has been rated 30^th of all employers in the country in the latest Stonewall Top 100 Employers list, which is compiled from the Workplace Equality Index – the UK’s leading benchmarking tool for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace.

Stonewall is Europe’s largest charity for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace (LGBTQ+) people and each year ranks organisations for their LGBTQ+ inclusion practices against other organisations.

The University of Manchester scored 113 out of 200 in its Workplace Equality Index submission. Ranking in 30^th overall, the University also achieved a Gold award for meeting specific criteria around a number of identified measures for LGBT+ inclusion.

In addition to this, the University has been awarded a Highly Commended Network Group award, to celebrate the achievements of its LGBTQ+ network group, ALLOUT. The network is fully inclusive and welcomes all lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and non-binary staff as well as anyone who may have an interest or wish to support colleagues, friends and relatives. 

ALLOUT organises awareness-raising events throughout the year, works with the University on policy development and review, and runs the successful Allies programme which provides training to staff who do not identify as LGBTQ+ but wish to support their colleagues. The network co-chairs are Dominic Bilton, Megan Johnston and James Lea.

The University uses benchmarking tools as part of its inclusion performance metrics, and taking part in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index has supported this. The submission is compiled by Lead Equality Diversity and Inclusion Partner, Paul Marks-Jones, who also coordinates the University’s staff networks. The overall sponsor is Patrick Hackett, Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer.

Adèle MacKinlay, Director of People and Organisational Development at the University said: “We have been consistently strong in the Stonewall Index over a number of years; it’s great to see this trend continue.  It’s vital to create a culture in which everyone can thrive. We all benefit from diverse viewpoints and perspectives. This is why I’m very grateful to ALLOUT for their continued feedback and engagement.”

Banji Adewumi, Director of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at the University added: “The Stonewall ranking is a great indication of our inclusivity in practice. This is one of the key measures for our new EDI strategy, which we are working hard to progress. The actions we are taking now, will make our University better for staff and students, and more successful, and hopefully we will continue to move up in this Index as a result.”

February is LGBT+ History Month and ALLOUT have organised lots of events. Further details can be found online. There are also many events for students.