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Thursday 16 Feb 2023

Network Rail secures a spot on Stonewall’s Top 100 list for leading LGBT+ inclusive employers

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Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers 2023 list recognises exceptional employers who are committed to supporting their LGBT+ staff and customers

Network Rail was praised for their work creating a workplace where LGBT+ employees can bring their full selves to work

Network Rail joins a number of construction, legal, health, finance and education firms who made the annual Top 100 list of LGBT+ inclusive employers

Today, Stonewall, Europe’s largest charity for lesbian, gay, bi, and trans rights, launched its widely anticipated Top 100 Employers List and Network Rail was recognised for its work on supporting LGBT+ staff to be themselves at work.

Over the past year, Network Rail has undertaken significant strides towards creating an inclusive working environment, including creating inclusive policies, creating safe spaces for our colleagues to bring their whole selves to work and increasing visibility of LGBT+ colleagues whilst educating others on allyship. 

Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers List 2023 is the UK’s leading ranking of employers from public, private and third sectors on how inclusive their workplaces are. Creating inclusive environments makes the workplace safer and better for everyone – not just LGBT+ people.

Shane Andrews MBE (he/him), Network Rail’s diversity and inclusion manager and chair of Archway, said: “The fact that Stonewall has once again recognised Network Rail’s work in making the organisation more inclusive for LGBT+ colleagues is a testament to us as an organisation. The fact that we’re now in the top 100 is just brilliant but we’re not complacent, we’ve got more work to do.

“I feel privileged to chair Archway the branch that represents the LGBT+ community within Network Rail and more than proud of the huge amount of work we’ve done. where we have striven to educate, empower and connect with all our colleagues.

“Archway is run entirely by volunteers, providing day-to-day confidential support to colleagues across the network. Receiving this award means that not only is the work that we’re doing being acknowledged within Network Rail but also with the wider LGBT+ community. It is safe to say that I am bursting with pride!”

Nancy Kelley, CEO of Stonewall (she/her) said: ‘It’s been fantastic to see all of the work put in by Network Rail over the past year to create a workplace where LGBT+ 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 LGBT+ people’s lives better.”