Stonewall Workplace Equality Index 2008 - Gentoo Did It!

Wednesday 24th December 2008

We are delighted to announce that Gentoo was ranked 14th out of 241 organisations that entered Stonewall’s 2008 Workplace Equality Index (WEI). In addition, we were also the top ranked Registered Social Landlord.

Stonewall’s WEI is the definitive national benchmarking exercise which showcases Britain’s top employers for LGB staff. In 2007 Gentoo entered the index for the first time, but didn’t make the top 100. This makes our 2008 result a remarkable achievement and we hope it will encourage more housing organisations regionally and nationally to take part next year. Locally, no other Sunderland based organisation has made it into the top 100 in 2008, and regionally the only other north east organisation to achieve a place was Newcastle City Council who were ranked 78th.

Our result sends a powerful message to our lesbian, gay and bi-sexual (LGB) staff and customers about Gentoo’s commitment to making sure that we are fully inclusive. It also helps us build our brand with the LGB community. Julie Kelly, Assistant Chief Executive of Gentoo Group was delighted to discover that Gentoo were the highest-ranked registered social landlord on the index.

Julie said: “We see the value of ensuring that our organisation is fully inclusive. This isn’t just about equality. It’s about listening and responding to the needs of our staff and customers, and valuing the diversity which individuals bring to our organisation. Potential customers and employees can use the Stonewall index to decide where to take their business and their skills and experience, so it’s fantastic that our efforts have been recognised and sends a powerful message to current and potential lesbian and gay customers and staff.” Gentoo Group gained a score of 88%, well above the average of 66.5% across all 240 entrants.

David Shields, Stonewall’s Director of Workplace Programmes, says: “Congratulations to Gentoo who were the best performing housing organisation in 2008 and are ranked 14th overall, making them one of the most gay-friendly workplaces in the UK. Gentoo Group has made significant improvements over the course of the year testimony to what can be achieved by a strong diversity team working closely with its staff network groups, and supported in their work from the very top levels of their organisation.”

Posted by Dhanashree for Gentoo Sunderland