Lloyds Banking Group tops the Workplace Equality Index north of the border, second only to intelligence agency MI5 in the UK overall
Lloyds Banking Group has been named the most inclusive employer in Scotland by Stonewall.
It is the second year running the banking giant has topped the LGBT charity’s Workplace Equality Index.
Lloyds finished second in the UK overall, only pipped to the top spot by the British intelligence agency MI5.
We’re thrilled to see such a commitment to lesbian, gay, bi and trans colleagues, but we also know that there is still lots to do
In Scotland, Lloyds Banking Group owns a number of major employers including Bank of Scotland and Scottish Widows.
It is known for its equalities programmes and operates an LGBT colleague network, Rainbow, which helps connect and support LGBT employees across the group.
With over 2000 members and supporters, is one of the largest networks of its kind.
Lloyds also runs an LGBT leadership programme and supports the Stonewall Youth Volunteering Programme.
Last year the group launched comprehensive colleague and line manager guidance for colleagues who choose to transition from one gender to another.
Speaking about being named at the top of the index, which is in its 12th year, Fiona Cannon OBE, Lloyds Banking Group director of inclusion and diversity, said: “I’m delighted that Lloyds Banking create a truly inclusive organisation where everyone feels welcomed and valued without needing to hide, change or compromise anything about themselves.
“Over the past 12 months we’ve continued to make progress in this space, which has been reflected by an increase in engagement for our LGBT colleagues – a key goal in our Helping Britain Prosper Plan.
“In 2016 we’ll continue to build on our success by working with our colleagues, our leaders and our LGBT network, Rainbow, to look at how we can make the group even more inclusive for our LGBT colleagues and customers.”
Top Employers in Scotland
- Lloyds Banking Group
- Pinsent Masons
- Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service
- Golden Jubilee Foundation
- Royal Bank of Scotland
As well as businesses, the index includes third sector organisations from across the UK.
The list, compiled by Stonewall after speaking to over 60,000 employees, ranked Victim Support as the number one organisation in the sector, followed by communities charity Touchstone, homelessness charity St Mungo’s and Barnardo’s.
In Scotland, law firm Pinsent Masons placed second on the overall index behind Lloyds followed by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, NHS patient group the Golden Jubilee Foundation and the Royal Bank of Scotland.
Ruth Hunt, Stonewall chief executive, said: “At Stonewall we know that people perform better when they can be themselves.
"I’d like to thank all of those organisations that took part in Stonewall’s 2016 Workplace Equality Index, and congratulate our Top 100 and award winners.
“We’re thrilled to see such a commitment to lesbian, gay, bi and trans colleagues, but we also know that there is still lots to do."
Andrew Parker, the director general of MI5, added: “This accolade from Stonewall is a great acknowledgement of the continued progress we have made over recent years in ensuring we draw on the widest possible pool of talent in our vital work.”
