Oxfordshire County Council has received a Bronze award for its commitment and efforts to become an LGBTQ+ employer. The award comes as part of LGBTQ+ equality charity Stonewall’s ‘Bring Yourself to Work’ campaign, which highlights the importance of inclusive work environments.
The council has received this accolade for its commitment to inclusion of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people in the workplace.
Councillor Mark Lygo, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Equality said: “I am delighted that Oxfordshire County Council has received a Bronze award for our work in promoting inclusion of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people. The award represents the amazing steps we’ve taken to promote inclusion in our communities and in our workplace during a challenging time.
“We know we can always do more, and we are committed to tackling inequality across the county. Oxfordshire County Council is proud to stand with everyone in our lesbian, gay, bi and trans community.”
For twenty years Stonewall has been supporting employers to create welcoming workplaces for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people.
According to the charity’s research, more than a third of LGBTQ+ staff (35 per cent) hide who they are at work, while one in five (18 per cent) have been the target of negative comments because they’re LGBTQ+.
Liz Ward, Director of Programmes at Stonewall (she/her), said: “We spend so much of our time at work, and our career can be a huge part of how we define ourselves. Every single lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer person should be able to be themself at work. From understanding how HR policies, such as parental leave, will affect them, to being reassured that they can speak openly about their lives and partners at the coffee machine, the impact of inclusive workplaces can be life changing.
“It’s fantastic that Oxfordshire County Council has gained a Bronze award for their efforts and commitment to creating an inclusive work environment, and we look forward to seeing and supporting the rest of their inclusion journey.”