Salford success in Stonewall list
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The University of Salford has achieved 21st place in the annual Top 100 ranking of organisations for employing lesbian, gay and bisexual staff, climbing substantially from its previous ranking of 60th.
Salford was second only to Cambridge University as the top-ranked higher education institution in England on the Workplace Index published by lesbian, gay and bisexual charity Stonewall, which is based on a 25 question survey sent to a large range of stakeholders.
Now in its eighth year, the Workplace Index is Britain’s leading tool for employers to measure their efforts to tackle discrimination and create inclusive workplaces for all staff. It incorporates factors such as staff engagement, learning and development and external engagement.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin Hall, the University’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Champion, and Arron Pile, LGBT Network Representative, attended a Stonewall Reception last night in London, where the good news was announced.
Professor Martin Hall said: “This is a marvellous achievement and I give credit to all in the team who put our submission together. This recognition by Stonewall shows that Salford is a diverse and welcoming place to work.”
Holly Cruise, Chair of the LGBT network, said: “Attaining 21st position is a culmination of the hard work undertaken by the LGBT staff network, working with staff across the University. The criteria were much tougher this year and so our improved position is even more significant.
“Since the University’s first submission in 2010, the Index has been an important tool for supporting improvements across the board.”
As part of the University’s endeavours to create a more inclusive learning and working environment, staff hosted a good practice event last July for educational institutions from across the north of England and beyond. The event focused on challenges facing both staff and students.
In February, the University will once again be organising events to support LGBT History month. The University has also been working in partnership with the Lesbian and Gay Foundation to raise awareness of homophobic bullying in local schools by distributing toolkits to assist teachers in dealing with this issue.
