CARDIFF and Vale University Health Board has been given a Gold Award for being one of the best organisations for employees in the LGBT+ community.

Stonewall has published its Workplace Equality Index’s 100 best performing organisations across the UK for LGBTQ+ equality. The health board came in 37th place, and third out of health organisations.

Rachel Gidman, executive director of people and culture, said: “I am incredibly proud of Cardiff and Vale UHB’s inclusion in this year’s workplace equality index, which signifies not only the great steps forward that we are taking to become an increasingly equal organisation, but the fantastic work of our teams to drive this agenda forward.

“We want all of our employees, regardless of their background to feel comfortable being their true selves at work. We have made good progress towards achieving this, and remain committed to embedding an increasingly inclusive and accepting culture right across our organisation.”

The index is judged on the employment policy and practice of organisations alongside surveys completed anonymously by staff about their experiences of diversity and inclusion at work.

The health board has relaunched its LGBTQ+ Staff Network to provide a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for all identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community and works to make any issues more visible in the work environment.

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Rhiannon Owen, chairperson of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network committee, said: “We’re so pleased with the health board’s inclusion in this year’s index, which shares a really positive message about the support available to the LGBTQ+ community across the organisation.

“We would encourage all staff who are members or allies of the LGBTQ+ organisation to come forward and join our network and help further amplify the support available to staff, increase the visibility of LGBTQ+ issues, and drive forward further inclusivity throughout our organisation.”

Stonewall previously conducted research about workforce inclusion which found that 35 per cent of staff identifying as LGBTQ+ in the UK hide who they are at work. The research also found that one in five have been the target of negative comments because of how they identify.

Liz Ward, director of programmes at Stonewall, 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 Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has gained the Gold 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."