Stonewall the world’s second-largest LGBT+ charity has awarded Network Rail with its Silver Award for commitment to LGBT+ inclusion at work.
The Network Rail network group Archway which is run by Network Rail volunteers also won the Network group of the year award.
Stonewall has spent the past 20 years supporting employers in creating welcoming workplaces for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.
The award forms part of Stonewall’s Bring Yourself to Work campaign which highlights the importance of an inclusive work environment.
Stonewall commented on the importance of creating an inclusive workplace.
Liz Ward, Director of Programmes at Stonewall said: “Our career can be a huge part of how we define ourselves.
“Every single lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer person should be able to be themselves at work.
“It’s fantastic that Network Rail has gained a silver award for their efforts and commitment to creating an inclusive work environment.
“We look forward to seeing and supporting the rest of their inclusion journey.”
Research from Stonewall shows that more than a third of LGBT+ staff hide who they are at work and around one in five have been targeted with negative comments.
Shane Andrews MBE, Network Rail’s Diversity and Inclusion Manager and Chair of Archway spoke on the work Network Rail have done to win the awards.
Mr Andrews said: “I am delighted that Stonewall has recognised Network Rail’s work in making the organisation more inclusive for LGBT+ colleagues.
“I feel privileged to chair Archway and even more so now we’ve won an award that recognises the huge amount of work we’ve done in recent years.
“We have striven to educate, empower and connect with all our colleagues – whether they’re LGBT+ or an ally.
“Archway is run entirely by volunteers, providing day-to-day confidential support to colleagues across the network particularly during the pandemic when our members were more isolated.
“Receiving this award means that not only is the work that we’re doing being acknowledged within Network Rail but also with the wider LGBT+ community.”
Stonewall has published its Top 100 Employers List and awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze awards to organisations to celebrate their inclusion work.
The charity will highlight the importance of inclusion for LGBT+ people and the impact of being able to bring your whole self to work.
