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Inclusion, Equality & Diversity

Stonewall launches ‘Proud Employers’ programme to boost LGBTQ+ inclusion at work

Simon Blake OBE said: “Proud Employers will support workplaces in LGBTQ+ inclusion and enable them to demonstrate their commitment.”

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Stonewall has launched a workplace inclusion programme called ‘Proud Employers’, along with a kitemarking scheme to recognise employers supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion. 

The launch was held at the London Stock Exchange, with CEO Simon Blake OBE and Government Equalities Minister Dame Nia Griffith MP attending the market close ceremony.

Blake 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.”

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Blake added: “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. 

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“Proud Employers will support workplaces in LGBTQ+ inclusion and enable them to demonstrate their commitment.”

He said: “Sadly we are yet again in turbulent times, similar to when I was growing up. We must stand together in courage, unity and hope.”

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Griffith 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. 

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“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.”

Griffith added: “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. 

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“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’, is focused on pushing for equality under the law for all LGBTQ+ people. 

This follows a period where rights are under threat globally and in the UK.

Research commissioned by Stonewall from YouGov found under half (44%) of the UK public believed current employment rights for LGBTQ+ people were about right. 

The research also found over two thirds (69%) of the public said the country was inclusive towards LGBTQ+ people, and the vast majority of those viewed this as positive. 

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Three in five (60%) said they would not welcome more negative attitudes in society.

Stonewall will focus on three core pillars: navigating turbulent times, shaping policy and inclusive places. 

The 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.”

The 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.”

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