University of Hull's commitment to equality shines through in Silver Stonewall award

We’re incredibly proud to announce that we’ve achieved the prestigious silver award in the 2024 Stonewall Workplace Equality Index (WEI).

The index recognises exceptional employers who are committed to supporting their LGBTQ+ staff, and we’ve been praised for our work in creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace where LGBTQ+ employees can bring their full selves to work.

Some key initiatives that have contributed to this include:

• We have improved our governance of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) by introducing a University-wide governance board to improve accountability and cross-departmental initiatives.
• We have reviewed our EDI policies, and invested in EDI training with 91% of all employees having now completed EDI training, and we have improved the skills and representation of our interview panels.
• We have reinvigorated our LGBTQIA+ staff network to embed LGBTQIA+ equality across our campus.
• We have continued our commitment to our pioneering Jeremy Round LGBTQ+ and Attitude Magazine Foundation LGBTQ+ scholarships. So far, through these groundbreaking initiatives we have awarded 33 £1,000 awards to disadvantaged LGBTQ+ students.

Sarah Wilson, Chief People Officer, said: "Our People Strategy affirms our commitment to creating an environment in which all our people can thrive, and outlines what we’re doing to achieve this.

"It's fantastic that Stonewall has recognised the work we have done to create a supportive and equitable work and study environment, including making sure that our policies and procedures are inclusive for our LGBTQ+ staff and students.

"A diverse community is a strong community – and our recently published EDI transparency report details how we’re working to better understand our people, so that we can continue to address inequalities, and celebrate and share our strengths."

Hayley Pickard-Dumas, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead, said: "This is an incredibly proud moment and the culmination of a vast amount of hard work to embed LGBTQ+ equality right across our University.

"We’ve worked with Stonewall for a number of years and their Workplace Equality Index is a powerful benchmarking tool to measure our progress on lesbian, gay, bi and trans inclusion in the workplace. The achievement of a silver award recognises just how far we have come, and will spur us on to achieve even more in this area.

"I also want to recognise the outstanding efforts from colleagues who pulled the Stonewall submission together. This is a significant piece of work, involving almost every area of the University, and this really exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and community we stand for."

Stonewall

More than a third of LGBT staff (35 per cent) have hidden who they are at work for fear of discrimination. This means LGBTQ+ people often feel that they have limited options when applying for jobs – or that the work culture isn’t for them when they do land a job.

We all perform our best work when we feel comfortable bringing their full selves to work – and for LGBTQ+ people, that means not having to hide who you are or who you love, while at work. The challenges that can hold LGBTQ+ people at work affect us all - the majority of Britons support LGBTQ+ people, and many have loved ones who are LGBTQ+ themselves.

Stonewall is Europe’s largest charity for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer (LGBTQ+) rights.

Colin Macfarlane, Director of Programmes and Income at Stonewall, said: “Implementing inclusive practices and policies is vital for employers who wish to attract and retain top LGBTQ+ talent. The Workplace Equality Index draws participants from diverse industries and sectors, all of whom understand that inclusivity is the future and are leading the way in this vital change. 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.”