Leicestershire Police has received an accolade for its commitment to inclusion of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people in the workplace.
The force have received a gold award from Stonewall, the world’s second-largest LGBTQ+ charity and have been ranked 34th within the Top 100 Employers List out of over 400 that applied.
They have been named as the highest-ranking police force and Leicestershire employer on the list.
According to the charity’s research, more than a third of LGBTQ+ staff (35 per cent) hide who they are at work, while one in five (18 per cent) have been the target of negative comments because they are LGBTQ+.
Liz Ward, Director of Programmes at Stonewall 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 themselves 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, the impact of inclusive workplaces can be life-changing.
“It’s fantastic that Leicestershire Police has gained gold 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.”
PC James Yeoman, co-chair of the force’s LGBT+ Network, said: “Leicestershire Police takes part in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index (WEI) every year.
“To be ranked 34th in the Top 100 organisations across England & Wales, and to come second in the emergency service sector is a phenomenal achievement. This is a true reflection of the positive work that the LGBT+ network is doing in the support of our LGBT+ staff, friends and family, and the communities we police.”
Other local organisations included on the Stonewall list, include De Montfort University, which was placed 64th and Leicestershire County Council, which was placed 84th.
The Stonewall Top 100 Employers list this year can be found on the Stonewall website, as well as further information about the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion.
