Health Education England recognised by Stonewall for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace

Health Education England has received a gold award from Stonewall for its commitment to ensuring all lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer staff are supported in the workplace, as well as a highly commended award for its HEEROs Network.

HEEROs is an HEE staff network that aims to raise LGBTQ+ awareness and provide support. It offers a confidential support network to all employees on LGBTQ+ issues, as well as an open space to help employees report homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying and harassment

HEE has received two awards from Stonewall, as well as being ranked 110^th out of 403 in an annual audit of equality for lesbian, gay, bi and trans inclusion in the workplace, increasing their ranking by 145 places from last year.

The Workplace Equality index is organised by Stonewall, which is the world’s largest LGBTQ+ charity for the commitment to the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people in the workplace. Campaigning in a global movement since 1989, Stonewall have helped create transformative change lives in the LGBTQ+ communities across the UK.

Lizzie Smith, Regional Director for the London region and Diversity, Inclusion and Participation Lead, said: “These achievements highlight the hard work and commitment from everyone at HEE, including our Diversity, Inclusion and Participation Teams, to make our organisation the best it can be for our LGBTQ+ colleagues.

Dr Navina Evans, Chief Executive, Health Education England said: Every LGBTQ+ person should be able to be bring their authentic selves to work and feel comfortable speaking about their lives and experiences. The recognition from Stonewall highlights the hard work from everyone at HEE, most importantly the Diversity, Inclusion and Participation Teams who are committed to ensuring our organisation is the best in can be for our LGBTQ+ colleagues. I am proud to lead an organisation which continues to strive to be an inclusive, supportive and safe place for all, and will continue to champion and support our inclusion journey.”

To find out more on the Stonewall charity click here.