Equality for all (Stonewall Index)
The Workplace Equality Index (WEI) is a definitive national benchmarking exercise showcasing Britain's top employers for lesbian, gay, and bisexual staff.
London Borough of Waltham Forest continues it’s commitment to support equality for all our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) staff, customers, and service users and is proud of taking part in the Stonewalls Diversity Champion’s programme.
The annual assessment by the leading gay rights campaign group saw Waltham Forest just slip out of the top 100 organisations (compared to rank 67 achieved last year) in the UK that are taking positive action on lesbian and gay equalities.
Despite a detailed action plan and good examples of best practice across the Council, Waltham Forest found itself assessed against a harder test alongside a hugely increased number of organisations with stronger examples of cross-organisational success.
Director of People, Policy and Performance and the Council's LGBT champion Jan Wickham said:
"The Stonewall criteria was more demanding this year to reflect the success of the index in raising standards. Although we have continued to make improvements, we now need to see more widespread action. This, together with some innovative initiatives, will help get us back into the top 100 for 2010."
The LGBT staff group together with colleagues working within the Human Resources and Diversity units have discussed how to share and increase the Council's current good practice, in supporting managers more effectively in identifying and taking action to address LGBT inequality in the workplace and in service delivery.
Activity already planned for 2009/10 includes specific LGBT training within the Equality and Diversity training programme, and detailed research into LGBT residents’ experiences and views on cohesion, community safety and customer service.
The Council remains dedicated to working harder to support LGBT equality in the workplace.
Useful addresses
East London Out Project (ELOP)
56-60 Grove Road
Walthamstow E17 9BN
Tel 020 8509 3898
Minicom 020 8521 4895
Fax 020 8521 4720
