Royal Navy a top 40 Employer in Stonewall Equality Index

The Royal Navy and the Royal Marines have made into the 'top 40' organisations and firms employing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender staff.

LGBT rights campaign group Stonewall has placed the Royal Navy 32^nd in its annual Workplace Equality Index listing the 100 best employers.

The list is based on the responses of employees covering a raft of areas in the workplace, from general policies towards staff to the attitude of managers, specialist network groups how fellow staff are trained and encouraged, and participation in the broader community, such as the numerous Pride events held across the UK.

"It's great to see the Royal Navy and Royal Marines recognised in Stonewall's Top 100 list," said First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Phillip Jones.

"A fundamental component of our business as a Service and of our core values is to provide an inclusive working environment for all, ensuring all our people are free to realise their full potential." 

The Royal Navy has a vibrant LGBT employee network Compass - which was singled out and highly commended for its effort to support colleagues and provide guidance to managers - a supportive 'allies' scheme and keen involvement from senior officers. 

"I am especially pleased to see the Naval Service feature once again on the index, testament to the inclusive ethos and globally-diverse workforce," said Maj Gen Charlie Stickland, Commandant General Royal Marinesthe Navy's senior LGBT advocate.

Commander Sam Truelove, co-chair of the Compass Network and member of the Diva Top 100 Power List 2017, said: "The Royal Navy has offered me the opportunity to be myself in my workplace and has supported me throughout my career as a member of the LGBT community.

"The role that diversity plays to our globally deployed workforce is truly demonstrated by the support our network, our people and our allies get across the whole Royal Navy."