Severn Trent’s commitment to promote and create a diverse and inclusive workforce has today been recognised, as the company celebrates its top 25 placing in this year’s Stonewall Workplace Equality Index (WEI).

Severn Trent is celebrating its highest position to date, placing 23^rd and climbing 24 places from last year’s 47^th position.

Stonewalls WEI assesses leading Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) inclusive workplaces in the UK.

The charity sets tough benchmarks based on a range of standards including policy, training, network groups, employee engagement, procurement and community engagement.

Natasha Haywood, LGBTQ+ Chair at Severn Trent said: “We’re absolutely delighted with this placing, and our teams and working groups have worked tirelessly, but with passion, to drive and create a culture that has LGBTQ+ rights at the heart of it. Whether that’s through policy changes, educating our entire workforce, building a strong community of allies or standing side by side with our communities on LGBTQ+ issues, this ranking proves as a company we’re moving in the right direction and creating a place that is welcoming and safe for all.”

Over 500 companies across the UK are part of the index, and Severn Trent’s top 25 ranking makes them the highest ranking water company and utility company.

James Bowling, Severn Trent's CFO and executive sponsor of the LGBTQ+ advisory group said: “I’m immensely proud of all our colleagues that make Severn Trent a company in which people feel proud and safe to be themselves. This year’s top 25 placing is a real testament to their hard work and commitment, and all our supporters across the business who understand and support our drive and enthusiasm to build a place of work we can be proud of.

Nancy Kelley, CEO of Stonewall said: ‘It’s been fantastic to see all of the work put in by Severn Trent over the past year to create a workplace where LGBTQ+ staff feel free to thrive as themselves.

‘For many of us, the majority of our time is spent at work, so if we have to hide who we are it can take an enormous personal toll and hold us back from fulfilling our true potential. Creating environments where we can all feel comfortable makes our workplaces a safer, better and friendlier place for everyone and helps staff be proud of who they are.

‘We’re incredibly proud to see so many new entrants from a range of sectors on this year’s list, who are committed to making LGBTQ+ people’s lives better.”

Severn Trent’s commitment to equality and inclusiveness was also recognised earlier in the year when it received its highest ranking as part of the Bloomberg Gender Equality index, as well as obtaining another top five spot for the fourth year running for its commitment to improve social mobility in the UK.

The company, along with its LGBTQ+ advisory group, has also launched ethnicity, disability and a women in STEM advisory groups to further create a fair, safe working environment with opportunities for all.

To learn more about Severn Trent’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and working at Severn Trent, visit severntrent.com.

For the full Stonewall top 100 list, visit www.stonewall.org.uk/top-100-employers/full-list