Leeds City Council shines as a beacon of LGBTQ+ inclusivity, securing top honors from Stonewall for its supportive environment and services for LGBTQ+ youth. Recognized for its dedication to inclusivity, the council’s Gold Employer accolade and CYPS Champions award showcase its commitment to creating an inclusive space for all community members.
How is Leeds City Council supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion?
Leeds City Council is acknowledged for its LGBTQ+ inclusivity, securing a spot in Stonewall’s Top 100 inclusive employers and earning the Gold Employer accolade. It also received the CYPS Champions gold award for its services supporting LGBTQ+ youth, highlighting its commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all community members.
Recognition by Stonewall
Leeds City Council has been acknowledged as a paragon among British employers for its dedication to inclusivity, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ issues. This distinction is evidenced by its securement of a position within Stonework’s Top 100 list, which encompasses the most inclusive employers in the UK. Impressively, the council has been awarded the coveted Gold Employer accolade. Each year, Stonewall’s ‘Workplace Equality Index’ (WEI) is a measure of dedication to LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, and Leeds City Council has been lauded for its efforts in fostering an environment that empowers LGBTQ+ employees to excel.
The council doesn’t limit its inclusive ethos to its workforce alone; its children and families service has been bestowed with the gold ‘Children and Young People Services (CYPS) Champions’ award from Stonewall. This award is a testament to the extensive efforts made across various directorates to buttress LGBTQ+ children and young people. Councillor Fiona Venner, the executive member for equality, health & wellbeing, remarked, “We are proud to once again be recognised in the WEI index for creating a workplace which is inclusive for everyone,” highlighting the council’s resolve to maintain a workplace where individuality is celebrated and inclusivity is the norm.
Supporting the Youth and Families
Councillor Fiona Venner further emphasized the council’s commitment to inclusivity, stating, “To also receive a Children and Young People Services (CYPS) Champions gold award is a fantastic achievement and further demonstrates our commitment to all in the LGBTQ+ community.” This recognition places Leeds City Council at the forefront of nurturing a positive growth environment for LGBTQ+ youth. The award acknowledges the unwavering dedication of council teams in supporting the varied needs of young people within the community.
The CYPS Champions award embodies more than just a symbolic gesture; it is reflective of the tangible actions and policies the council has put in place to support LGBTQ+ children and young people. Colin Macfarlane, Director of Programmes and Income at Stonewall, underscores the importance of inclusivity, “Implementing inclusive practices and policies is vital for employers who wish to attract and retain top LGBTQ+ talent.” Stressing the broad participation in the WEI, from a myriad of industries and sectors, Macfarlane affirms that these organizations understand the importance of inclusivity for the future.
Leeds City Council’s Continuous Efforts
Leeds City Council’s strategic approach towards inclusivity has been consistently evolving. Robbie de Santos, Director of Campaigns and Human Rights at Stonewall, commented on the council’s achievement, “Leeds City Council has worked hard to put LGBTQ+ inclusion at the heart of all that they do.” Santos emphasizes the significance of having accessible services for LGBTQ+ youth, highlighting the council’s role in creating a nurturing and supportive environment.
This acknowledgment by Stonewall serves as a beacon for other councils and organizations to follow, illustrating that inclusivity not only benefits the individuals concerned but also enhances the collective ethos and effectiveness of an organisation. The council’s initiatives and continued work towards inclusivity resonate deeply with the community, marking Leeds City Council as a leading example in the domain of equality and support for LGBTQ+ individuals.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact Leeds City Council’s communications and marketing team via email at communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk or by phone at 0113 378 6007.
- Leeds City Council has secured top honors from Stonewall for its LGBTQ+ inclusivity, earning the Gold Employer accolade and CYPS Champions award.
- The council’s commitment to inclusivity extends to its workforce and services supporting LGBTQ+ youth, creating an inclusive environment for all community members.
- Stonewall’s recognition places Leeds City Council among the most inclusive employers in the UK, fostering an environment that empowers LGBTQ+ employees to excel.
- The CYPS Champions award highlights the council’s dedication to supporting LGBTQ+ youth, emphasizing tangible actions and policies in place to nurture a positive environment.
- Leeds City Council’s continuous efforts towards inclusivity position it as a leading example in promoting equality and support for LGBTQ+ individuals.