Gentoo recognised for inclusion policies for second year

Monday 12th January 2009

Gentoo has been ranked in the top 20 organisations in Britain for its inclusion policies for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) staff for the second year running.

Gentoo Group came 17th in the Stonewall 2009 Workplace Equality Index (WEI), a national benchmarking exercise which showcases Britain's top employers for LGB staff. The WEI tracks the impact of workplace culture on gay, lesbian and bisexual employees and has become a key barometer of diversity practices. Only 4 housing providers made it into the top 100, and at 17th, Gentoo is the highest ranked.

The 2009 index was the most competitive yet, with a 30% increase in the number of organisations entering, and the bar was set even higher with the requirement for additional proof of long term effectiveness.

This year Stonewall also included the largest ever confidential survey of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) employees to see if their experience at work matched up to the claims being made by their employers. In addition to this survey, Gentoo was visited by an independent consultant who met with a selection of Gentoo staff to verify the information we had included with our entry.

The business case for being an inclusive organisation is compelling. It is not just about fair treatment - it's about establishing competitive advantage. 1.7 million gay people in the UK workforce, 150,000 gay students in UK universities, and 3.6 million LGB consumers spending an estimated £70 billion, can all use the index to decide where to take their business, skills, experience and enthusiasm.

Julie Kelly, assistant chief executive for Gentoo Group, was delighted to discover that Gentoo was the highest-ranked registered social landlord on the index.

Julie said: "The fact that we've maintained a top 20 place, when the bar was set even higher than ever, is clear evidence that we see the value of ensuring that our organisation is fully inclusive. Our result sends a powerful message to all our staff and customers, but I hope it also serves to encourage others in the housing sector to take part next year."

Gentoo has an established staff network group, B-GLAD, for lesbian, gay and bisexual employees which has a clear link into the formal structures so that it can influence policies and practice, as well as providing advice and support to colleagues and raising awareness.

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