Best UK companies to work for for LGBTQIA+

In the more than 50 years since the first Pride event, the movement has evolved from a protest into a party, from an act of defiance into a global celebration of diversity.

During the month of June, the Pride flag is flown on countless public buildings and in businesses, illustrating just how far we have come as a society. While it is fair to say LGBTQ+ persons are celebrated and appreciated, it is important to add that everybody’s journey is different, and for some, being out in the workplace can be a challenge.

A company with a firm commitment to equality creates a sense of belonging, where individuals are empowered to reach their full potential on a personal as well as professional basis. It is also good for the bottom line, as found in a 2020 report by McKinsey.

According to Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters, companies that lead the way on gender diversity are 25 per cent more likely to have above-average profitability, but there is much more to the real-life experience than that figure alone.

Safe workplaces

According to Inclusion at Work: Perspectives on LGBT+ Working Lives, a 2021 report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, 40 per cent of LGB+ workers and 55 per cent of trans workers have experienced some form of conflict or harassment in the workplace.

Furthermore, 16 per cent of LGB+ workers and 18 per cent of trans workers feel psychologically unsafe in the workplace – –significantly higher than their heterosexual and cis counterparts, at just 10 per cent.

Deloitte’s annual report on the topic, simply titled Belonging, found fostering a sense of belonging in the workforce was important to 79 per cent of respondent organisations, but just 13 per cent felt they were ready to address it fully.

That is why Stonewall, one of the leading advocacy groups for LGBTQ+ people in the UK and beyond, has published its Top 100 Employers for 2023. The Top 100 list, itself derived from Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index, highlights companies and organisations with policies and practices that directly and indirectly support the community in a range of ways.

Contextual examination

The Workplace Equality Index, first published 18 years ago, invites companies to assess their own policies across nine key areas: policies and benefits, employee life cycle, network groups, empowerment, leadership, monitoring, supply chains, external engagement and staff feedback.

This detailed and contextual examination enables the Workplace Equality Index to quantify that company’s commitment to LGBTQ equality. In turn, prospective employees can gauge their potential experience at that company, not to mention its standing in the industry and society as a whole.

If you’re thinking of a change, and feel that a company’s inclusivity is key to your next destination, here is a selection of roles on the AltFi Job Board at companies included in Stonewall’s 2023 Top 100 Employers…

KPMG

KPMG (#8) is seeking a Financial Services Cyber Director, to head up its UK Cyber Security Practice from its London office. As clients face increasingly regular and high-risk cyber attacks, you will help them demonstrate effective management of cyber risk by providing independent, cyber-free advice and jargon-free technical capabilities to help clients proactively manage cyber technology risk. You will provide independent, jargon-free advice and advanced technical capabilities that help clients proactively manage cyber and technology risk, in order to drive value from their business and information assets.

Citi

In Edinburgh, Citi (#10) is seeking to hire a Digital Transformation Business Analyst. A hybrid role within the Operations Transfer Agency Change team, you will support the delivery of projects including release management, onboarding, automation initiatives and platform migrations. In this creative role where challenging the status quo is encouraged, you will assist in process design and forge solutions that ensure the best outcomes for businesses.

HSBC

Returning to London, HSBC (#12) is aiming to fill the high-profile position of Global Chief Risk & Compliance Officer. This senior role represents the single point of coordination for Risk & Compliance within the company’s Global Banking & Markets section. You will ensure that all material risks are identified, assessed and mitigated in a timely manner, ensuring that all legal and regulatory requirements are met every step of the way by the appropriate deployment of available resources including people, capital and resources.

Amazon

Amid many roles available at Amazon (#97) across the UK, the tech giant is advertising for a Senior Software Development Engineer in London. Focusing on the Amazon Transportation section, you will take a leading role in creating end-to-end CRM solutions that demonstrate deep customer impact. Leading multiple teams, you will influence long-term solutions, forecast risk and deliver insights while acting as a thought leader and mentoring other members of the team.

For thousands of opportunities in tech, browse the AltFi Job Board to find your perfect role