Lancashire Police has jumped 38 places from last year’s results to be named 36th on the Stonewall 2019 Top 100 Employers list for our work to promote inclusivity and difference across the force. We are one of the best police forces in the country, according to the list, with only Cheshire ahead of us.

The results have been officially announced today (January 21st).



Deputy Chief Constable Sunita Gamblin said: “Policing is incredibly rewarding and it is a privilege to work in such a public service. Consequently, our staff, officers and volunteers recognise that they have a huge impact on others, and can achieve an indelible positive impact on people’s lives.

“It is absolutely vital that a modern police force should be leading the way in terms of having an inclusive mindset, so valuing and seeking out different perspectives is an absolute priority. This is how we really see growth and success, ultimately reflecting the diverse communities we serve.

“Being 74th on the list was a great achievement last year, but the fact that we have jumped to 36th place this year demonstrates how serious we are about improving and it is testament to the hard work which is ongoing every day to maintain high standards of inclusivity within our workforce.


“We are immensely proud of the work we have done and remain committed to valuing difference, recognising and embracing a diverse workforce, to impact on keeping people both safe and feeling safe.”


The score for Lancashire Police was awarded after we were assessed on nine specific areas including leadership, engagement, policies and employee life cycle.


Our LGBT staff network, chaired by PC Anna Robinson and vice-chaired by Sgt James Cooper, were recognised as a ‘Highly Commended Network Group’, recognising years of continuous improvement, dedication and hard work of all network members over the years.


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

"Moving 38 places to 36th on the Stonewall 2019 Top 100 employers highlights the ongoing work and improvements that everyone within Lancashire Constabulary should be proud of. It is testament to the culture of the force and the drive to keep improving. 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."

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.


This year 445 employers submitted entries to the 2019 index, across the public, private and third sectors. Stonewall received over 92,000 responses to the staff survey, making it one of the largest national employment surveys in Britain, with 17,300 LGBT respondents.


Darren Towers, Stonewall’s Executive Director, said: “Lancashire Police and all those who have made this year’s Top 100 Employers list are making a huge difference to workplaces, services and communities across the UK. LGBT-inclusive employers play a crucial role in changing society by using their power and influence to protect and support LGBT people.

“More than a third of LGBT staff (35 per cent) still hide their identity at work for fear of discrimination; that has an impact on productivity, wellbeing and more and shows we still have lots to do. However, with organisations like Lancashire Police displaying such a strong commitment to LGBT equality, we are one step closer to creating a world where all lesbian, gay, bi and trans employees are welcomed and accepted without exception.”


Full results of the Top 100 Employers list can be found online at www.stonewall.org.uk