Cardiff Council’s equalities agenda for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender people has massively declined, a local councillor says.
The criticism comes after Cardiff Council were not named in this year’s top one hundred UK LBGT employers in Wales.
The Welsh Assembly was found to be the top LGBT employer by the charity Stonewall, while the Welsh Government and Cardiff University were also listed among the top fifteen UK employers.
Bablin Molik, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Cyncoed and Lakeside, says that the Council’s failure to make the list is hugely disappointing.
“They made big strides under the Liberal Democrat Leadership in 2010, and got into the top on hundred. In 2011, we even saw them in the top fifty. Now, to see them totally off the list, it’s a big disappointment. It just shows how the equalities agenda at the council has declined over the years and the priorities have changed.”
“In terms of meeting those agendas, they have just gone downhill over the years.”
The Assembly, Stonewall say in their report, were committed to promoting inclusion and diversity, and addressing inequalities both as an employer and service provider.
“The organisation has collaborated with a variety of Welsh organisations to promote LGBT equality in the region and to share best practice. They have sponsored and supported many LGBT community groups and events by providing and hosting on their premises for free. They’ve also engaged with LGBT Youth Groups to discuss how to engage LGBT young people and ensure there is equality for all throughout Wales.”
But, while the Assembly has made inroads, Cardiff Council have been criticised for not being included for the sixth year in a row.
In response, a Council spokesperson said: “Cardiff Council is an open and inclusive employer that is committed towards LGBT equality by supporting a positive and welcoming workplace for all employees, regardless of their sexual orientation.”
“The Council submitted an application- its first in a number of years- to the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index in September 2017 and is pleased to have achieved a mid-ranking position in the UK index.”
“The Council has an active LGBT Network, which supports events and organises awareness-raising activities throughout the year. The Network recently launched a very well-received LGBT Ally initiative to encourage members of staff, regardless of sexuality or gender, to commit to be supportive of LGBT people and this month there are a series of events to mark LGBT History Month.”
“The Council is meeting with Stonewall later this month to identify what we do well and where we can improve further to build on the good platform achieved in this year’s index.”
The Best Welsh LGBT Employers, according to Stonewall.
