West Mercia Improves Position Among Top 100 Gay-friendly Employers

West Mercia Police has welcomed the news that it has shot up the rankings in the country's top 100 employers of gay people.

Stonewall - a charitable organisation that campaigns and lobbies for equality for gay men, lesbians and bisexual people - has produced its annual Workplace Equality Index of the best employers since 2005.

In 2011, West Mercia Police is ranked 38th, jumping from 73rd in 2010 despite an increase in the number of organisations taking part from 352 last year to 378. 

This consolidates the forces efforts after being ranked 73rd in also 2009 and 121st in 2008.

"Gay people have never been more demanding of their employers," says Ben Summerskill, Stonewall Chief Executive. "A coveted place in the Stonewall Top 100 Employers has become a litmus test for organisations' performance in equality and diversity.

"With tougher competition than ever, congratulations are due to all of the employers in this report. Taking part in the Workplace Equality Index is a commitment to Lesbian Gay and Bisexual employees, customers and service users."

Employers - ranging from councils to supermarkets to IT firms - must complete an eight-part report and provide evidence to support the questions asked. They are then ranked according to criteria ranging from implementation of effective equality policies, practical demonstrations of good practice in recruitment and mentoring, to how they engage with lesbian and gay staff as well as customers and service users.

The Index is based on a range of key indicators which this year included the largest ever survey of lesbian, gay and bisexual employees, with more than 9,100 participants. This consistently revealed that staff satisfaction levels were highest at the top ranking organisations in the Index. The full Index was announced at a reception last night (Wednesday 12 January) at the London offices of international law firm Herbert Smith LLP.

West Mercia Police's Deputy Chief Constable David Shaw says: "West Mercia Police is delighted to be one of the biggest movers in the Top 100 Employers in the Stonewall Equality Index.                                                                                                                           

"Our focus is on providing the best service possible to the public; developing a diverse workforce is central to that goal. We are proud of the fact that we have a diverse workforce and we are doing all we can to breed confidence in both our LGB groups and the wider community. It is tremendously important that we are taking part in the Index and doing well

"This is not a box ticking exercise: it shows the hard work and willingness in the force to change our organisation to ensure lesbian, gay and bisexual people feel safe and valued.

"We are improving year on year; The Stonewall Index is a very useful benchmark, but it also shows us how we can continue to improve."

Rob Hall, personnel manager and Special Constable who is chair of West Mercia's gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and trans employees network ‘Link' added: "This is an excellent achievement for the staff and communities of West Mercia Police. Our continued improved presence within the top 100 employers reflects the force's commitment in ensuring our working environment enables all staff to make an effective contribution to delivering an effective police service."

Issued: Thursday 13 January 2011