23 February 2022, UK: The James Hutton Institute has received an accolade for its commitment to the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people in the workplace. This year, the Institute received a Bronze award from Stonewall, the world’s second-largest LGBTQ+ charity. For twenty years the charity has been supporting employers to create welcoming workplaces for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people.
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’re LGBTQ+.
Stonewall’s Gold, Silver and Bronze awards celebrate organisations’ inclusion work, particularly the importance of inclusion for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people, and the life-changing impact of being able to bring your whole self to work.
Professor Deb Roberts, Deputy Chief Executive of the James Hutton Institute and chair of its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, commented: “We are delighted to have received this award and I would like to thank everyone whose hard work made this possible.
“The Institute values the diversity of its workforce. Having Stonewall Bronze status is a signal of our commitment to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and to developing the potential of all of our colleagues, across the Hutton Group.”
Liz Ward, Director of Programmes at Stonewall (she/her), added: “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 themself 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 at the coffee machine, the impact of inclusive workplaces can be life-changing.
“It’s fantastic that the James Hutton Institute has gained a Bronze award 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.”
