Notting Hill Genesis has been given Bronze in the 2022 Workplace Equality Index awards from Stonewall, the UK’s leading lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality charity.
The award comes as part of Stonewall’s “Bring Yourself to Work” campaign which highlights the importance of inclusive work environments. According to Stonewall’s research, more than a third of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer (LGBTQ+) staff (35 per cent) hide who they are at work, while almost one in five (18 per cent) have been the target of negative comments. For 20 years, the charity has been supporting employers to create welcoming workplaces for LGBTQ+ people.
This was the first time Notting Hill Genesis submitted an application, and despite organisations typically not being awarded on their first submission, not only did we achieve the bronze award, but we also ranked 189th out of over 450 organisations that entered, and ranked 8th within the housing sector.
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 Notting Hill Genesis has gained this 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.’
Natalie Quilter, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing lead at Notting Hill Genesis, added: ‘To achieve a Stonewall award, employers must meet nine very specific criteria and have in place certain policies and initiatives that protect the interests of LGBTQ+ employees.
‘At Notting Hill Genesis, we are committed to creating a truly equal, diverse and inclusive workforce, where every individual or group feels welcome, accepted and respected.
‘I want to extend my thanks to our incredible LGBTQ+ network PROUD for all their hard work and all our staff networks in helping to lead the way in making our organisation truly inclusive.
‘I am really proud that we have received this award and that we have been officially recognised as a desirable place to work for LGBTQ+ people.’