Lancashire Police has achieved 74th in the Stonewall World Equality Index (WEI), out of 434 companies from the public, private and third sector, gaining a place in the Top 100 Employers List, after an increase of 43 places since the 2017 index.

Stonewall was founded in 1989, and since then has been at the forefront of unprecedented social and legal advancement for lesbian, gay and bisexual people living in Britain. In 2015 it extended its remit to campaign for trans equality.


Ian Mills Chief Inspector at Lancashire Police said: “Lancashire Police is immensely proud to be identified by Stonewall as a leading employer for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. We are committed to valuing difference and supporting diversity within our workforce and communities and recognise the true potential a diverse workforce brings to the service we deliver, in order to keep people safe and feeling safe.”



This year, for the first time in Stonewall’s history, employers could only rank in the Top 100 if they also demonstrated a significant commitment to trans equality in the workplace.



Darren Towers, Executive Director, Stonewall said: “All those who have made this year’s Top 100 Employers list have done a fantastic job. Taking part in our Index shows real commitment to understanding and advancing LGBT equality. This year, for the first time, the Index looked at what employers were doing for trans equality in the workplace. This work is crucial. We recently published LGBT in Britain: Trans Report, which revealed the profound inequality facing trans people in Britain today. Half of trans people have hidden their identity at work for fear of discrimination. This must change and it’s encouraging to see so many organisations make a commitment to trans equality. With their support and hard work we can create a world where all lesbian, gay, bi and trans employees are welcomed and accepted without exception.”



Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw added: “It is really important that modern police services reflect the communities they serve. This recognition from Stonewall shows the continuing commitment of Lancashire Police to equality in the workplace but also highlights the excellent work it does alongside the diverse communities of Lancashire.



"Breaking into the top 100 employers should be a source of pride for everyone within Lancashire Police. This is not just about one team but the attitudes and culture of the whole organisation. We always have the ambition to keep on improving because understanding and drawing on the unique potential of individuals and communities from all backgrounds is vital to delivering effective policing."



Victim Support, who provide Lancashire Victim Services on behalf of the Police and Crime Commissioner, also ranked 10th in the top 100. Anyone affected by hate crime can access specialist support through their service by calling 0300 323 0085 or visiting lancashirevictimservices.org



Earlier this month, Stonewall released research that showed half of trans people (51 per cent) have hidden their identity at work for fear of discrimination or abuse and that one in eight trans employees (12 per cent) have been physically attacked by colleagues or customers in the past year.



Full results of the Top 100 Employers list can be found online at: http://www.stonewall.org.uk/top-100-employers-2018