16/02/23 

The 2023 Stonewall Index announced today has shown the largest rise in Cardiff Council's overall score, making it the highest ranked local authority in Wales and in the UK. 

This impressive performance has seen Cardiff Council scoop three accolades awarded by the charity: Stonewall Gold Award Employer; Top 100 Stonewall Employer; and Stonewall Highly Commended Network Group, in recognition of the work of the local authority's LGBT+ Employee Equality Network. 

Following an extensive assessment of the council's work over the past 12 months, Stonewall has given a score of 109 points, up from 82.5 points in 2022. The 35^thplace in the rankings is a rise of 78 places on the previous year, when the local authority was placed 113^th. Cardiff Council is now placed 2^ndin the Government and Regulator sector, and 10^thin the Public Sector overall. 

Stonewall's Top 100 Employers 2023 list  recognises exceptional employers who are committed to supporting their LGBTQ+ staff and customers. Cardiff Council was praised for its work creating a workplace where LGBTQ+ employees can bring their full selves to work. The local authority joins a number of construction, legal, health, finance and education firms who made the annual Top 100 list of LGBTQ+ inclusive employers. 

Cardiff Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Equality, Cllr Julie Sangani, said: "The fantastic performance of Cardiff Council in this year's Stonewall Index is a real testament to the enormous efforts of staff from across the organisation and the role of senior leadership. 

"Our Stronger, Fairer, Greener vision for Cardiff published last year makes a clear commitment for us to build on our Stonewall Gold Status award as part of our commitment toLGBTQ+ inclusivity, aiming to become a Stonewall top 100 employer and the highest ranked local authority in Wales in the Stonewall Index. 

"I am delighted to be able to say that we have achieved that commitment, and more. As a Council, not only have we been awarded Gold-status once again, named in the top 100, and the highest ranked local authority in Wales, but we are also the highest ranked local authority in the UK.  Plus, Stonewall has recognised the joint working across the local authority with ‘Highly Commended Network Group', a well-deserved endorsement for our LGBT+ Employee Equality Network, made up of employees from across the Council's services. These are all great achievements, and we are determined to ensure that Cardiff Council continues to be an inclusive place to work for years to come." 

Stonewall is the UK's leading charity for lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality, working to create a world where every lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer person is free to be themselves -wherever they are. It was founded in 1989 by a small group of people who wanted to break down barriers to equality. Stonewall continues to campaign on LGBT Equality, as well as work with employers and schools to create environments which allow LGBTQ+ people to thrive. 

Nancy Kelley, CEO of Stonewall (she/her), said: "It's been fantastic to see all of the work put in by Cardiff Council over the past year to create a workplace where LGBTQ+ staff feel free to thrive as themselves. 

"For many of us, the majority of our time is spent at work, so if we have to hide who we are it can take an enormous personal toll and hold us back from fulfilling our true potential. Creating environments where we can all feel comfortable makes our workplaces a safer, better and friendlier place for everyone and helps staff be proud of who they are. 

"We're incredibly proud to see so many new entrants from a range of sectors on this year's list, who are committed to making LGBTQ+ people's lives better."