Bournemouth Council has ranked higher on gay rights group Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2013 with a 10-point improvement on last year.
The council ranks 144 out of 376 employers and scores 123 points out of 200.
Sexual Health Advisor at Over the Rainbow, Kevin Turner, said: “In Bournemouth we have a very good environment. Staff at the council and Dorset Police are very good. I think LGBT people will like to see this kind of improvement around us.”
Mr Turner believes there needs to be a reverse of the image of LGBT people for further improvement.
Councillor Lawrence Williams, Cabinet Member for Corporate Policy Implementation, said: “We are committed to equality, diversity and fairness in the workplace and strive to ensure all our staff feel welcome and supported in their roles. We will endeavour to make further improvements this year.”
Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index, which has been running since 2005, recognises those employers who make a positive commitment to developing an inclusive and welcoming workplace for lesbian, gay and bisexual people.
Organisations taking part in the index are judged on a wide range of criteria including their employment and recruitment policies, support for employee network groups, leadership on diversity issues, supply chain management, communication, services to LGBT customers, and wider engagement with the gay community.
Main image: Guillaume Paumier
