Contributors
Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has once again been ranked amongst the Stonewall Top 100 Employers 2024 and retained the Gold Award in recognition of the firm's initiatives to foster an inclusive and safe workplace.
Stonewall, Europe’s largest charity representing lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace (LGBTQ+) people, recently launched the Top 100 Employers List for 2024, which is open to all organisations in the UK, not just law firms, and is the UK’s leading benchmarking tool showcasing employers from public, private and third sectors on how inclusive their workplaces are.
WBD and its dedicated LGBTQ+ network, WBD Pride, continue to build on the considerable progress they have made in fostering an inclusive workplace. Initiatives in the last year include raising awareness through a series of internal articles on topics such as International Non-Binary Persons Day, Pansexual and Panromantic Visibility Day, International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, Bisexual Visibility Day and Transgender Awareness, and hosting events to support and celebrate LGBT+ History Month and Pride Month.
James Clark, Co-Chair of WBD Pride commented:
“I'm delighted with these results. Our success in retaining our Gold Award and our place in Stonewall's Top 100 employers is a testament to the hard work of WBD Pride and the firm's continuing commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive working environment for LGBTQ+ staff. Our WBD Pride Ally Board continues to grow and gain momentum showing a commitment to allyship across the firm."
Colin Macfarlane, Director of Programmes and Income at Stonewall said:
"Implementing inclusive practices and policies is vital for employers who wish to attract and retain top LGBTQ+ talent. The Workplace Equality Index draws participants from diverse industries and sectors, all of whom understand that inclusivity is the future and are leading the way in this vital change. By championing LGBTQ+ employees, you are fostering a happy and motivated workforce and contributing to a UK where LGBTQ+ people can thrive as their true selves"
