Fifty per cent more NHS organisations have reached Stonewall’s list of 100 gay-friendly employers.
Nine NHS organisations made the list, with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust reaching 2nd place, from 4th place last year.
NHS organisations in the Stonewall Top 100 Employers 2014 now include:
– 2nd place: Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
– Joint 19th place: London Ambulance Service NHS Trust
– 23rd place: Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
– Joint 52nd place: Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
– Joint 61st: South East Coast Ambulance Service
– Joint 66th: Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust
– Joint 89th: Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
– Joint 96th: County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust
– 100th: Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
A total of 369 employers submitted entries, which consisted of 25 questions covering eight areas of policy and practice, backed with documentary evidence.
And 9,735 lesbian, gay or bisexual staff completed the staff feedback questionnaire, which measures what it’s like to be gay in a British workplace.
Dean Royles, chief executive of NHS Employers said the number of NHS organisations on the list is a “great recognition”.
He said: “Far too many people face discrimination and abuse every day because of their sexuality. Having fifty per cent more NHS organisations in the list this year is a fantastic encouragement, but we are far from complacent.
“The equality agenda is really important, not only for individuals but for the future of the NHS. Having a culture where staff feel valued and respected for who they are helps give them that extra confidence to raise ideas and concerns, including ones that could be crucial for safe patient care.”
