Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) has received Stonewall’s Silver award, which recognises exceptional employers who are committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
The award was announced as part of the release of Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers List, the UK’s leading ranking of employers from public, private and third sectors on how inclusive their workplaces are.
This year CNTW is ranked at 164th in the list, having climbed an impressive 193 places since entering Stonewall’s ranking at 357th on the list in 2020.
CNTW is one of the largest providers of mental health and disability services in the North of England. Among other Health and Social Care sector employers around the country, the Trust was ranked 21st.
I am proud that Stonewall have recognised our enthusiasm, determination and commitment to making CNTW a great place to work and to receive care.
James DuncanChief Executive
James Duncan, Chief Executive at CNTW, said:
“We want to be recognised as one of the best places to work, and to stand up for the rights of our LGBTQ+ community. A diverse, welcoming, supportive workplace is the basis of a successful and thriving organisation, and is at the core of us providing great care to our local communities.
“Over the past year, we have worked with our LGBTQ+ Staff Network to make significant strides towards creating an even more inclusive workplace, including becoming the first NHS Trust to publicly support a ban on ‘conversion therapy’, creating pledges which staff (including our Executive Team) have signed to stand against hate and be Allies to the Trans community, joining in with local Pride events – including hosting one of our own at Northgate Hospital – and an art and poetry competition to mark Transgender Remembrance Day.
“There is still plenty of work to do to across the Trust, but I am proud that Stonewall have recognised our enthusiasm, determination and commitment to making CNTW a great place to work and to receive care.”
It’s about creating a workplace where everyone can be their true and authentic selves, without fear of discrimination, prejudice or hate because of their sexuality or gender. That is the true prize.
Simon PearsonChair of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network
Simon Pearson, Chair of the Trust’s LGBTQ+ Staff Network, said:
“I am so pleased with what we have accomplished – rising from 357th in 2020’s rankings to 164th today is a testament to the hard work from all involved.
“The journey the Trust has embarked on with Stonewall is not solely about achieving a position in the Employers List. It is about identifying, celebrating, supporting, accepting, and valuing difference, and creating a workplace where everyone – whether they are service users or staff – can be their true and authentic selves, without fear of discrimination, prejudice or hate because of their sexuality or gender. That is the true prize.”