Cardiff and Swansea Universities have been awarded first and second place in the education category of Stonewall’s ‘Top 100 Employers’ list.
The list recognises the employers that are the best at ensuring there is equality in the workplace.
The National Assembly for Wales was put in fifth place overall, joint with MI5.
Stonewall, the leading LGBT rights charity, say they had more than 90,000 responses to the survey with a record 439 submissions from employers.
The survey looks at a company’s policies, training, monitoring and engagement outside the workplace.
Cardiff University was 23rd overall with Swansea University in 31st place. Both beat off competition from 12 other UK educational institutions.
Stonewall Cymru say they are pleased with how Welsh employers performed overall.
Mabli Jones is the Campaigns, Policy and Research Manager at Stonewall Cymru. She says Wales always has a strong presence in the list.
“In terms of Wales it’s a good news story, especially when you look at Cardiff University and the Welsh Assembly.”
Ms Jones says it’s hard to compare Wales to the rest of the UK. “Every organisation is on it’s own journey.
“It’s not an exam, we’re not trying to catch people out. The index is supposed to encourage employers to get involved and improve.”
Director of Stonewall Cymru, Andrew White, says “I would like to thank each and every organisation that took part.
“With your continued efforts and hard work, we will continue to work toward a world where all lesbian, gay, bi and trans staff are welcomed and accepted without exception in their workplaces.”
