Stonewall, Europe’s largest charity for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer rights, has today (Thursday 16 February) launched its Top 100 Employers List and Sheffield Hallam was recognised for its work on supporting LGBTQ+ staff to be themselves at work.
The University has undertaken significant steps towards creating an inclusive working environment, including establishing an LGBTQ+ steering group to help shape the University’s policies and approaches to LGBTQ+ inclusion across the institution and raise awareness of LGBTQ+ identities.
Sheffield Hallam has implemented policies relating to discrimination, bullying and harassment through its dignity at work scheme and has an inclusive approach to policies such as adoption, compassionate leave and parental leave. Inclusive development programmes have also been established to support a more diverse leadership across the University and a programme of awareness raising events has led to greater understanding of LGBTQ+ inclusion and allyship at work.
Professor David Shepherd, Sheffield Hallam University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), said: “It’s fantastic news that we have achieved the Silver Award in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index 2023. One of our values as an institution is inclusion, and we want all staff and students to feel that they belong here and can thrive.
“This award recognises hard work and collaboration between staff and students across the University, including our LGBTQ+ Steering Group and LGBTQ+ Staff Network.
“We are very proud of this achievement, but we know there is more we can and must do to improve the experience of LGBTQ+ members of our diverse University community and to ensure that everyone can achieve their potential.”
Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers List 2023 is the UK’s leading ranking of employers from public, private and third sectors on how inclusive their workplaces are.
Nancy Kelley, CEO of Stonewall said: “It’s been fantastic to see all the work put in by Sheffield Hallam University over the past year to create a workplace where LGBTQ+ staff feel free to thrive as themselves.
“For many of us the majority of our time is spent at work, so if we have to hide who we are it can take an enormous personal toll and hold us back from fulfilling our true potential.
“Creating environments where we can feel comfortable makes our work place a safer, better and friendlier place for everyone and helps staff be proud of who they are.”
