The Army

The Army enables every individual to fulfil their potential regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. The ability to meet every challenge is key to our future success in an uncertain global situation. Challenging outdated perceptions of military life, the Army has actively sought to become a gold standard employer of LGBT+ individuals and are justifiably proud to be a Stonewall Top 100 Employer; creating an environment in which respect for the individual is guaranteed and people can be open and honest about themselves. It is only by doing this that talent can be released to greatest effect.

Channel 4

Channel 4 was created in 1982 with a distinct remit to celebrate diversity, promote alternative views, stimulate debate and inspire change. From Queer as Folk and Sugar Rush to Cucumber and Hollyoaks, Channel 4 has always been driven by challenging prejudices and normalising LGBT+ life. In 2015 we launched our 360 Diversity Charter – putting diversity at the heart of everything we do at Channel 4, on and off screen. We also have a very active LGBT+ employee network group – 4Pride – which supports employees, drives change, and hosts a range of great events such as screenings, panel talks and socials.

Deloitte

With over 150 years of hard work and commitment to making a real difference, Deloitte has grown in scale and diversity—approximately 263,900 people in 150 countries and territories, providing audit, tax, legal, financial advisory, risk advisory, and consulting services—yet our shared culture remains the same. For Deloitte, good isn’t good enough. We aim to be the best at all that we do—to help clients realize their ambitions; to make a positive difference in society; and to maximize the success of our people. This drive fuels the commitment and humanity that run deep through our every action. That’s what makes us truly different at Deloitte.

EY

EY has long been a supporter of the LGBT community, with its employee network – Unity – having been first formed in 1995 in the UK. Since then the network has grown to include over 4,500 members spread across more than 77 countries and territories. Whether championing trans* inclusion or being bi in the workplace, raising awareness of mental health within the LGBT community or looking at parental topics amongst others, EY is proud to stand with the LGBT community. EY was also one of the first organisations to sign-up to the new United Nations global LGBTI Standards of Conduct for Business, having been a part of the consultation that helped create them.

HSBC UK

HSBC’s values reflect the best aspects of their 150-year heritage and are critical to fulfilling the organisation’s purpose of helping businesses to thrive, economies to prosper and people to realise their ambitions. The scale of HSBC’s operations makes their values all the more important, serving around 38 million customers worldwide, ranging from individuals to the largest of companies. HSBC are committed to conducting business in a way that delivers fair value to customers, strengthens communities and helps ensure a properly functioning financial system.

Pinsent Masons

Pinsent Masons is a global 100 law firm, specialising particularly in the energy, infrastructure, financial services, real estate and advanced manufacturing and technology sectors. The firm employs 2,900 people, with offices across the UK, Europe, the Middle and Far East, Asia Pacific, Australasia and South Africa.  Our business succeeds because of our people and for that reason, our culture and approach to diversity and inclusion is central to our strategy.  We were the first law firm to achieve a place on the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index and are currently ranked top law firm employer and second overall.

Travelodge

With over 540 hotels across the UK, Travelodge provides modern, clean, comfortable rooms in the right place at the right price, whatever our customers’ reason for travelling. Behind the scenes of this 11,000 employee company we’re a close-knit team. A core Travelodge behaviour is Care About People and that means caring about our customers and each other. We’re proud to have a diverse team and we want everyone to be able to bring their unique personality to work.  Every day is different at Travelodge and every person is too.  We believe happy teams help make Travelodge a great place to work.

Viacom

Viacom is home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms in over 160 countries and territories. With media networks reaching approximately 700 million global subscribers, Viacom’s leading brands include MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, BET, CENTRIC, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nicktoons, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV Land, SPIKE, Tr3s, Paramount Channel and VIVA.

Winner!   MI5

By its very nature, much of MI5’s vital work takes place out of view. People perform their best when they can be themselves at work, and creating a workplace that embraces diversity is crucial for our success.  MI5 is proud that they continue to see an increase in the range of people applying to work at MI5, and this nomination is a fantastic acknowledgement of their commitment to continuing this progress.

Visa

Visa believes that it’s vital for the long-term success of their business that their workforce is as diverse as the consumers who enjoy their products, and the communities in which they operate. Diversity helps to ensure that Visa Europe understands and can deliver on what consumers want; encourages the sharing of richer, broader ideas that can lead to breakthrough innovations and pushes business everywhere forward into different and better places. For diversity to have these benefits, everyone that works at Visa Europe has to feel valued, included and appreciated for who they are. Visa Europe want their employees to bring their authentic “whole selves” to work and know that Visa Europe’s commitment to diversity is real.