Five consulting firms have been named one of UK’s Top 100 LGBTQ+ Employers by Stonewall. The firms were awarded the spaces having demonstrated their commitment to nurturing truly inclusive work environments.
Established in 1989, Stonewall is an LGBTQ+ rights charity in the UK. To recognises employers that demonstrate strong commitment to advancing equality, Stonewall every year conducts research in company performance, and highlights best performers in its Workplace Equality Index (WEI). Organisations are judged in 10 distinct areas of employment policy and practice, including networking groups, career development, training and community engagement.
In 2022, nearly 80,000 employees from over 400 organisations took part in the staff feedback survey. This data is then used to inform Stonewall’s annual Top 100 employers List. This sees organisations ranked on their efforts and commitment to creating welcoming environments for their LGBTQ+ staff.
“We spend so much of our time at work, and 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 themself at work,” said Liz Ward, Director of Programmes at Stonewall. “From understanding how HR policies, such as parental leave, will affect them, to being reassured that they can speak openly about their lives and partners at the coffee machine, the impact of inclusive workplaces can be life changing.”
This year, five consulting firms ranked among the UK’s 100 best LGBTQ+ employers. According to Ward, this “fantastic” achievement was due to “their efforts and commitment to creating an inclusive work environment.”
KPMG
Position in the Top 100 LGBTQ+ Employers list: 17
How KPMG supports LGBQT+ inclusion
KPMG in the UK has been named in the Stonewall Top 100 Employers for the last five consecutive years now, and was also recognised in the British LGBT Awards Top 10 Inclusive Employers in 2021. Voluntarily publishing its Sexual Orientation Pay Gap in 2020, ahead of there being a legal requirement to do so. KPMG’s Breathe Employee Network exists to celebrate and promote LGBTQ+ awareness, providing opportunities for colleagues to share experiences, gain guidance on professional development and to engage non-LGBTQ+ colleagues. The network also engages clients in raising LGBTQ+ awareness.
Oliver Wyman
Position in the Top 100 LGBTQ+ Employers list: 53
How Oliver Wyman supports LGBQT+ inclusion
Another ever-present in Stonewall’s rankings, Oliver Wyman is committed to creating an environment that prioritises equity, values inclusion, and expects respect. The firm’s values are global, and regardless of where clients operate, it does not tolerate homophobia or transphobia. While Oliver Wyman’s inclusion efforts look to empower colleagues everywhere to live authentically, its LGBTQ+ and Allies network, GLOW, supports inclusion and diversity initiatives and advocates for the unique needs of Oliver Wyman’s LGBT+ and ally colleagues all around the globe.
OC&C Strategy Consultants
Position in the Top 100 LGBTQ+ Employers list: 81
How OC&C supports LGBQT+ inclusion
The firm’s LGBTQ+ network aims to build and maintain an environment within OC&C in which all individuals feel able to bring their whole self to work and feel empowered to succeed, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. The network stands in partnership with two charities: UK-based Just Like Us, which works with schools to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and tackle homophobia, biphobia and transphobia; and SpeakOut Boston, the US’ oldest LGBTQ+ speaker’s bureau. OC&C has also been part of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme for several years, with a press release on its Top 100 status stating, “We are pleased our work to build a more LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace has been recognised.”
EY
Position in the Top 100 LGBTQ+ Employers list: 89
How EY supports LGBQT+ inclusion
Unity is a professional network in EY member firm offices around the globe, promoting LGBT+ inclusivity among its people and the surrounding communities through education and team-building. Founded in 1995, the network was one of the first of its kind in the private sector in the UK and was the first employee-led network at EY. There are now 4,750 members in more than 70 countries and territories around the world.
RSM
Position in the Top 100 LGBTQ+ Employers list: 89
How RSM supports LGBQT+ inclusion
RSM’s Pride employee network group promotes an LGBTQ+ inclusive culture and empowers its members to be their authentic selves through leadership education, business development training, networking opportunities and LBGTQ+ community activities. It also participates in the Out & Equal Workplace Summit, which features workshops, expert panels, networking mixers and plenaries with keynotes from prominent LGBTQ+ and ally leaders. Through Out & Equal, RSM Pride members have access to executive leadership development, training and consultation, and professional networking opportunities that build inclusive and welcoming work environments.
According to research by BCG, the UK ranks second in a list of countries where LGBT+ talent feel comfortable coming out at work. There is still a lot of work to do when it comes to boosting inclusivity and equality in UK offices, however. The firm also found that LGBTQ+ workers received an average annual salary of nearly £7,000 less than their ‘straight’ counterparts, while one-in-four respondents added they were ‘in the closet’ at work.
