Stonewall Gold Award recognises University as an LGBTQI+ Inclusive organisation

The University of Huddersfield is delighted to announce that it has achieved a prestigious Stonewall Gold Award, having been ranked the 56th top employer in the UK for LGBTQI+ inclusivity. For a second year, the University has been named in the top 100 Employers list by Europe’s largest charity for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer (LGBTQI+) equality.

The recognition from Stonewall stems from the university’s efforts in supporting LGBTQI+ staff to be themselves at work.

It is the first time that the University has secured the Gold Award Stonewall’s highest accolade, which recognises those organisations which exemplify best practice.

Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers List 2024 is the UK’s leading ranking of employers from public, private and third sectors on how inclusive their workplaces are. Initiatives that we have developed over the past year include:

• Developing bespoke training for frontline staff to raise awareness and understanding of the experiences of members of the University's LGBTQI+ community.
• Creating a welcoming workplace\study environment where staff are able to request a University lanyard featuring the intersectional colours of the progress Pride flag
• Introducing training for supply chain partners to generate cross-organisational awareness and allyship.

“We have been consistently strong in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index over a number of years, and I am delighted that our ongoing commitment to driving forward LGBTQI+ inclusion has been recognised once again,” says Erika Montgomery (she/her), Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Manager at the University of Huddersfield.

“Progressing from a Silver Award in 2023 to achieve the Stonewall Gold Award in 2024, as a Top 100 Employer in the UK acknowledges the culmination of a considerable amount of work, which has been carried out in partnership with our LGBTQI+ Staff Network. We’re extremely proud to have achieved it.”

“The University is dedicated to providing an inclusive, welcoming environment where LGBTQI+ staff and students have the freedom to bring their whole selves to work, and continuing to improve our Stonewall ranking year-on-year demonstrates this.”

Colin Macfarlane, Director of Programmes and Income at Stonewall (he/him) said: “Implementing inclusive practices and policies is vital for employers who wish to attract and retain top LGBTQI+ talent. The Workplace Equality Index draws participants from diverse industries and sectors, all of whom understand that inclusivity is the future and are leading the way in this vital change.

“By championing LGBTQI+ employees, you are fostering a happy and motivated workforce and contributing to a UK where LGBTQI+ people can thrive as their true selves.”