Five organisations from the defence and security sector have made the Top 100 Employers list, compiled by lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality charity Stonewall.
Named the most inclusive performer in 2016, MI5 has made a strong return to the Top 100 this year, coming in at number four.
A spokesperson for MI5, said:
“MI5 is delighted to once again be ranked a Top 10 LGBT-inclusive employer in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2019. Being recognised in the Index is testament to our strong commitment to diversity and to creating a culture where everyone is able to be themselves and to give their very best at work. Our LGBT+ network and allies have played a key role in our LGBT journey, along with an absolute commitment from the very top.”
Andrew Parker, Director General, MI5, said:
“I am proud of the great strides we have made and know our staff share in my vision for a diverse and thriving Security Service. Working by these values is what makes MI5 stronger, and it’s what helps keep this country safe.”
The sector’s second highest-performing organisation is the Royal Navy and Royal Marines at number 15, who moved ahead by 17 places from their 2018 position of 32. Their strong performance was driven by reverse mentoring programmes to help senior leaders enhance their understanding of LGBT issues and their engagement with local schools.
A spokesperson for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, said:
“The Royal Navy is delighted to be recognized in the Stonewall Top 100 Employers list 2019. We are fully committed to creating an inclusive environment across the complex breadth of our organisation which recognizes, values and celebrates all our people and their differences.
Senior leadership is considered by the Royal Navy to be essential to creating this environment and our Seniors are therefore visible in their commitment to LGBT equality and are fully committed to providing a workplace where our people from all sexual orientations and gender identities feel comfortable being their true selves.”
The British Army was another high climber, surging 33 positions to land at its 2019 ranking of 51. The report cites the Army’s work on inclusion which has included mandatory diversity training that is LGBT-inclusive and the British Army have engaged with Royal British Legion to support their recently launched National LGBT+ Branch that supports veterans transitioning to civilian life.
Brigadier Bobby Walton-Knight CBE, The British Army, said:
“The British Army is proud to once again be listed in the Stonewall Top 100. This listing recognises our commitment to being an inclusive employer that offers opportunities for all and reflects the society it represents.”
The Royal Air Force rounds out the list of defence organisations in the Top 100, coming in at 68.
Air Commodore Clare Walton, RAF LGBT+ Advocate, said:
“As the RAF’s LGBT+ Advocate, I am delighted and thrilled to see the RAF listed as a Stonewall Top 100 Employer, recognising our ongoing work and successes in supporting our LGBT+ personnel now and into the future. We are immensely proud of the inclusive culture we have created and continue to enhance and are absolutely committed to delivering a working environment in which all personnel, irrespective of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, or other characteristics, feel valued and have the opportunity to thrive.
Our LGBT+ Network is made up of passionate and dedicated volunteers who make a real difference to the lived experience of our people, and we remain grateful for their outstanding work in collaborating with our Diversity and Inclusion Advocates and Policy staffs to deliver meaningful support for our collective belief.”
Rounding out the entries from the defence and security sector in the Top 100 is MI6, who place at 86 (49 in 2018).
This year’s Top 100 was the most competitive ever say the organisation, with 445 employers vying for a spot.
How did we Rate in the Non LGBT Table ?
And how do we rate in treatment of veterans compared to similar Western nations ?
The vast majority of British people never mind the Military don’t give a jot what gender,colour, sexual orientation you have. All they are concerned about is can you do the job you are paid to do.
sick to death with all this f-ing identity politics used to slate 80% of the population who are white, male and straight as bigots
Feck, Which Country are you talking about mate ? I heard the UK was 80% LGBT and the other 20% BGT, There Is a small community of GOT’s and an enclave of TOWIE’s but they are in the minority nowadays.
You’ll love this then:
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/academic-slammed-after-calling-bombing-of-nazi-germany-a-war-crime-a4045826.html
Yes farouk, I watched this moron on TV with Piers Morgan. Yet another waste of space clown with a doctorate in feck all useful. Just another oxygen thief who doesn’t know, understand (or more likely refuses to understand) the reality of life in the war period.
I refuse to watch it! Makes my blood boil. I can guess already.
This is the same waste of oxygen that suggested Winston Churchill was a racist and no better or different from Adolf Hitler.
Bravo farouk. Spot on as usual.
I used to have an LGB GT…
LGB used be a brand of large scale model railways made in Germany.
Quite a shock did I get the first time and only time I looked it up on the t’interweb.
It’s the danger of acronyms old chap…still, you can have a lot of fun with them.
I live in the Philippines, where the local terrorists are the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. MILF for short
Priceless…
I think Jet Blue got in trouble a few years ago for having the ad campaign M.I.L.F. – Many Islands Low Fares
Fun fact: LGBTQ stands for Lets GO Burn the Queers.
Well that’s what we do where I come from anyway…
Crikey, These Acronyms, Which Gender are they when They’re at home ?
Oh and, Where’s TH ? and what does TH stand for ?
I enjoy the comments. There are times on this site gentlemen when your ages become apparent ;).
Err 65 going on 15!
Mike, I am “Age Neutral”.
The greatest infiltration of society in decades… neo-Marxism has done its job and is throughout all sectors of mainstream politics, media and public services… we need new political direction… the Scottish Family Party is a refreshing new voice in politics… how about in other UK countries?
MI6 has been very inclusive since the days of Philby, Burgess, Mclain and Blunt all of who belonged to a Gay club at Cambridge before their time at MI6
It doesn’t seem to be freedom or free speech when nobody is ever allowed to question or disagree with the LGBT agenda. The whole issue has been hijacked by stonewall & ultra liberals. Their freedom is of more value than others it seems.
Well I would not want to go back to the bigotry of the 1950s. Even in the 1980s, I got a frosty response when I wrote that it was time to end the Gay ban in UK armed forces. I am glad that homophobia has gone into the history books.
I doubt many LGBT service personnel would like to be linked to that chip on his shoulder prof who denounced bomber command.
Yes the Cambridge spies were traitors, but there are also many gay patriots. Please remember that.
I may be mistaken, but I don’t think Kim Philby was gay. In fact, he was quite a ladies man!
Bit of a Girly name though !