Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Leeds Beckett named as a Stonewall top 100 employer for third successive year
The Stonewall Top 100 Employers are the best-performing employers on Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2017, an annual audit of workplace culture for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender staff.
Professor Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, commented: “We are delighted that the University’s commitment to equality and diversity has been recognised once again and that we have been named in Stonewall’s top 100 for the third year running. Our place is a clear expression of our commitment to instilling an ethos of inclusivity across the University.”
Leeds Beckett University has been listed at number 95 this year, out of a total of 439 organisations; with Leeds Beckett Students’ Union coming in at number 171: a jump of 105 places up the index, since its first entry in 2016.
Leeds Beckett has been a Stonewall Diversity Champion since 2009 and its Rainbow Rose Forum regularly hosts events and raises awareness across the University to provide a safe and supportive network encouraging all staff and students to be themselves. In 2015 the Rainbow Rose Forum received Stonewall’s Highly Commended Network Group award.
Michael Austin, Leeds Beckett Students’ Union Student Voice Manager, and Michael Anderson, Leeds Beckett Project Support Officer, said: “As Co-Chairs of the Rainbow Rose LGBT Forum we’re thrilled that our University has remained in the Stonewall Top 100 Employers and that our Students’ Union has jumped 105 places to place 171st in their second year of the index.
“So much hard work goes in to the submission each year and so many staff and students contribute to making the Leeds Beckett community such a diverse and inclusive environment to work and study in. That said, it is important that we don’t think that the job is done and the Forum has so many exciting ideas for the future that will build upon and cement some of the exciting things that have been achieved so far.”
Building on its sustained programme of work to promote equality at the University, in January, eight gender-neutral toilets were introduced across Leeds Beckett’s City and Headingley Campuses: four single toilets in the new Portland entrance at City Campus; and at Headingley Campus - one single toilet on the first floor of the James Graham building (room 144A), two single toilets on the ground floor of Caedmon Hall (rooms G24 and G25) and one single toilet on the ground floor of the Grange (room G04A).
The Stonewall Top 100 Employers list is compiled from submissions to the Workplace Equality Index, a powerful benchmarking tool used by employers to create inclusive workplaces. Now in its 13th year, the list celebrates the pioneering efforts of leading organisations to create inclusive workplaces.
Duncan Bradshaw, Director of Membership Programmes for Stonewall, added: “Leeds Beckett University, and all those who have made this year’s Top 100 Employers list, have done a fantastic job, and really do put equality and inclusion at the forefront of their work. We were thrilled to have 439 submissions for this year’s Index, one of the most competitive yet, and I would like to thank each and every organisation that took part. With your continued efforts and hard work, we will continue to work toward a world where all lesbian, gay, bi and trans staff are welcomed and accepted without exception in their workplaces.”