Brunel among the UK’s top 50 employers for supporting the LGBTQ+ workforce

Brunel University London has been ranked one of the country’s top 50 employers for being a welcoming place to work for LGBTQ+ staff – those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or queer.

The Top 100 Employers list from Stonewall, Europe’s largest charity for LGBTQ+ rights, is based on their yearly Workplace Equality Index (WEI), an anonymous survey of all staff experiences of diversity and inclusion, and helps demonstrate to prospective staff that organisations are an inclusive and attractive place to work.

The WEI covers areas such as how rigorous policies are to combat discrimination, bullying and harassment; the activities of LGBTQ+ network groups; how LGBTQ+ people are encouraged to become active role models; and the impact on the wider community.

In the Top 100 Employers list 2024, released today, Brunel is placed 43rd among all of the UK employers who took part, up from its previous record high of 88th last year, and is the 10th-placed university.

Jessica Kath, the coordinator of Brunel’s LGBTQ+ Staff network, said: “Making Brunel a place for our staff and students to be themselves is at the heart of all the work we do as the LGBTQ+ Staff and Student Networks.

“Our positive result in the WEI again this year is a testament to this long-term commitment to make the campus a welcoming place for all, despite the very challenging social, political and media environment around LGBTQ+ issues in the UK and worldwide.

“Whether that is encouraging allies, uplifting the voices of LGBTQ+ people or embedding equality at the heart of policies, Brunel is committed to continuing our progress, and I extend my deepest thanks to the leaders at every level who work tirelessly to make this possible.”

Colin Macfarlane, Director of Programmes and Income at Stonewall, said: “By championing LGBTQ+ employees, you are fostering a happy and motivated workforce and contributing to a UK where LGBTQ+ people can thrive as their true selves.”

Find out more about Brunel’s LGBTQ+ Staff Network.

Joe Buchanunn, Media Relations

+44 (0)1895 268821
joe.buchanunn@brunel.ac.uk