'Educate, motivate, and inspire lawmakers' - Stonewall's New 'Proud Employers' scheme and strategy

A couple of them (universities, if I remember correctly) are "roll-over" from the Workplace Equality Index. The others, well, I imagine they really haven't given it much thought. Stonewall, if they have learned anything, will probably be more wary of providing anything even resembling legal advice now. We'll see.

I find it "interesting" that the Proud Employers list is not on Stonewall's public-facing webpages. Perhaps there really aren't many on the list, or perhaps they don't want the public to know who is on their list. But, they haven't been preventing their "devotees" from publicly announcing their membership, which is how I've found them.

Stonewall Proud Employers list
(what I have found so far)

So far, it's a bit thin, but I'm sure there will be others.

EMCOR UK, now part of OCS

Delta Housing, formerly Estuary Housing Association

Close Brothers - specialist banking group
Trafalgar House - third-party pensions administration services

Weightmans (law firm)
Pennington Manches Cooper (law firm)
TLT (national law firm)
Osborne Clarke (international law firm)
Eversheds Sunderland (law firm)

Central and Northwest London NHS Foundation Trust

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

University of Greenwich
University of Brighton
The James Hutton Institute (Scotland)
Exeter University
University of Huddersfield
University of Derby
University of Northampton

Alstom - major supplier of trains, signalling and infrastructure in the UK

Northern Gas Networks

Tesco Plc

Teach First

Tesco Plc
Pride
In 2026, we were accredited Stonewall Proud Employer, achieving Trailblazer status

Teach First
We're delighted to share that we’ve been awarded Champion status in Stonewall's Proud Employers accreditation! This is a fantastic achievement and a real celebration of the policies, culture, and… | Teach First

We're delighted to share that we’ve been awarded Champion status in Stonewall's Proud Employers accreditation!

Eversheds Sunderland

We are delighted to announce we have been awarded Leading Employer status as part of Stonewall’s Proud Employer accreditation. Being a Leading Employer means that we are setting the standard on LGBTQ+ inclusion in our workplace, and are recognized for making impressive, consistent, and wide-reaching impact.

University of Huddersfield

LGBTQ+ - University of Huddersfield

[think this is just a continuation, but they also are linking to Stonewall's Proud Employers job site]

Stonewall Diversity Champion
The University of Huddersfield is proud to have become a Stonewall Global Diversity Champion. Stonewall is Europe’s largest lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) rights charity.

University of Derby
#proudtobederby #trailblazeremployer #stonewall #inclusiveworkplace #lgbtqinclusion #belongingatwork #recruitment #workatderby #derbyuni | University of Derby Careers
We’re incredibly proud to share that the University of Derby has been accredited as a Trailblazing Employer in Stonewall’s Proud Employers Accreditation Scheme - the highest level of recognition available⭐

University of Northampton
https://www.northampton.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-edi-priorities-2026-2030.pdf

Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Priorities 2026-2030

Osborne Clarke

#responsiblebusiness #inclusion #proudemployers #stonewall #ocpride | Osborne Clarke - UK

Osborne Clarke has been named a Leading Employer in the Stonewall Proud Employers Accreditation.

I see, well, if she did say that, I suppose there would have to be an internal "Stonewall Group" specifically, wouldn't there, to be discouraged or even banned? Rather than, say, an internal LGBTQwhatever group, because if you're not allowed the LGBTQwhatever group, then I suppose you wouldn't be allowed to have a SEEN group either? Not sure if that's what she meant?

Sorry, @ScrollingLeavesI missed your post first time around. Not entirely sure what you meant? Did you mean Stonewall as an internal faction or Stonewall encouraging internal division?

A bit of news for those wondering about the HE sector and the new Stonewall Proud Employers scheme:

Imperial College

https://felixonline.co.uk/articles/imperial-plans-to-withdraw-from-stonewall-membership-over-free-speech-concerns/

Update 27 November 2025: Imperial has confirmed they will not be seeking Proud Employers accreditation this year.

A source familiar with the matter told Felix that Imperial is reconsidering its membership of Stonewall Proud Employers scheme after several years, and is likely to withdraw from its accreditation.
The Proud Employers Accreditation scheme is an opportunity for employers to get feedback on their LGBTQ+ policy and receive a rating. The membership, which is distinct from the accreditation, gives staff access to extra support from Stonewall, one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ rights organisations, and more feedback on submissions for accreditation. Imperial joined Stonewall in 2005.

…

In April [2025], the Supreme Court of the UK issued a judgement on the meaning of sex for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010. Following guidance from the EHRC and conversations with the Office for Students, Imperial revised its policies about trans+ people that might have inadvertently restricted free speech and removed the section about the legal framework supporting trans rights.

This year, the College has renewed its Stonewall membership but is not planning to submit for accreditation due to concerns about free speech, a source familiar with the matter explained.

Imperial College Union response:
https://eactivities.union.ic.ac.uk/upfiles/committeemeetingpaper/6990

https://felixonline.co.uk/articles/union-council-report/

[16 January 2026]

During the last Union Council meeting, which took place on Tuesday 9th December, 2025, four papers were approved. Felix breaks down their content.
^^
1 - ICU’s Role Supporting the Renewal of Imperial’s Stonewall Membership
Imperial has been a member of Stonewall, one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ rights organisations, since 2005. Their Proud Employers Accreditation scheme, which is distinct from membership, provides employers that subscribe with a “flexible framework” to get feedback on their LGBTQ+ policy.

Imperial is not seeking Stonewall Proud Employers accreditation this year, and, according to a source familiar with the matter, is reconsidering its membership of the organisation for the 2026-27 academic year.

Exeter University

https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/accreditations/stonewall/

The Stonewall WEI, and new Stonewall Proud Employers tool are one of the steers we use to help generate our LGBTQ+ Equality Action Plan in line with the priorities agreed by the LGBTQ+ Equality Group. For more information on these priorities and action plan for you can visit the dedicated webpages for our LGBTQ+ Action Plan.

That's it for today, that I can see. I won't tag you into all of them, just the NHS ones I find, if you want me to?

Stonewall have been busy:

University of Greenwich

https://www.gre.ac.uk/articles/public-relations/university-of-greenwich-recognised-as-stonewall-trailblazer2
The University of Greenwich has been accredited as a Trailblazer organisation as a part of the Stonewall Proud Employers programme.
20 March 2026

University of Brighton

www.brighton.ac.uk/about-us/your-university/equity/equality-charters-and-benchmarking.aspx

Stonewall Proud Employers programme
The university is a proud member of Stonewall’s Proud Employers programme (formerly called the Diversity Champions programme). The programme supports and promotes fair practice in relation to the employment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender staff, and our role as a Stonewall Proud Employer is integral to our commitment to equality for LGBTQ+ staff and students.

Alstom
March 2026

https://www.saferhighways.co.uk/post/alstom-recognised-as-trailblazer-for-workplace-inclusion

Alstom has received national recognition for its commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace, achieving ‘Trailblazer’ status under Stonewall’s Proud Employers Accreditation scheme – the highest level available.
^^
As a major supplier of trains, signalling and infrastructure in the UK, Alstom has placed inclusivity at the centre of its organisational culture. A key part of this has been the establishment of its employee network, Voices of Pride+, launched in 2018 to support LGBTQ+ staff and allies and help shape a more inclusive working environment.
^^
The company has also rolled out extensive diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training, reaching more than 2,100 employees across the UK and Ireland. In addition, its “Be the U in inclUsive” roadshow has visited most of its 37 sites, raising awareness and encouraging engagement across the business.

The James Hutton Institute

https://www.hutton.ac.uk/the-james-hutton-institute-an-internationally-renowned-research-centre-dedicated-to-addressing-the-challenges-posed-by-the-climate-and-nature-crises-is-delighted-to-announce-that-it-has-been-accredi/

28 May 2026

The James Hutton Institute, an internationally renowned research centre dedicated to addressing the challenges posed by the climate and nature crises, is delighted to announce that it has been accredited a Champion Employer in Stonewall’s Proud Employers Accreditation Scheme.

Achieving Champion status is a clear signal of the importance the Hutton places on inclusion and equality. The recognition reflects the organisation’s consistent progress in fostering an inclusive workplace and demonstrates how it is influencing others through leading by example.

The Hutton’s Deputy Chief Executive and Chair of its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Professor Deb Roberts, said, “The James Hutton Institute is determined to foster a work environment in which everyone is included, respected, and empowered to fulfil their potential, whatever their identity.

Northern Gas Networks

https://www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk/2026/04/15/were-delighted-to-have-been-awarded-champion-employer-accreditation-by-stonewall/

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, has been recognised as a ‘Champion Employer’ by Stonewall – the human rights charity which supports the LGBTQ+ community in the UK.
Last updated15th April 2026 at 10:31 am

@TwoLoonsAndASprout
@KnottyAuty

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

https://www.sth.nhs.uk/news/2026/03/10/trust-recognised-as-a-trailblazer-for-workplace-inclusion/

Trust recognised as a ‘trailblazer’ for workplace inclusion
^^
10 March 2026
^^
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been nationally recognised as a trailblazer in its commitment to being an inclusive place to work.

The Trust has been accredited as a Trailblazing Employer in Stonewall’s Proud Employers Accreditation Scheme – the highest level of accreditation. Stonewall is a UK charity that advocates for LGBTQ+ rights.

Kirsten Major, Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to have been named as a Trailblazing Employer. We are proud of our diverse workforce and have worked hard to create a culture where all our colleagues feel supported and able to be themselves at work.

TLT (national law firm)

https://www.tlt.com/insights-and-events/news/tlt-awarded-stonewall-accreditation-for-lgbtq-inclusive-culture

National law firm TLT has been awarded the highest level of accreditation by the Stonewall Proud Employers Accreditation Scheme.
^^
Recognition as a ‘Trailblazing Employer’ reflects TLT’s commitment to inclusion, with the firm endorsed for “demonstrating leadership at its finest” and being “at the forefront of change, with exceptional commitment and results that are inspiring others.” TLT was one of only 17 employers to receive the highest level of accreditation. [my bold]

Date published
17 April 2026

@TwoLoonsAndASprout
@KnottyAuty

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/news/berkshire-healthcare-achieves-leader-status-in-stonewall-s-proud-employers-accreditation

Berkshire Healthcare achieves Leader status in Stonewall’s Proud Employers Accreditation

We’re proud to have achieved ‘Leader’ status in Stonewall’s Proud Employers Accreditation.

Latest update: 16 March 2026

This recognition reflects the strong and consistent work we’re doing for LGBTQIA+ inclusion across Berkshire Healthcare. It shows our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong - and can be their authentic self.

Achieving accreditation as a ‘Leader’ Employer places the Trust among organisations setting the benchmark for LGBTQIA+ inclusion. It highlights the meaningful and far-reaching impact of our work, and reinforces the importance we place on equality, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation.

And another:

Trafalgar House

https://trafalgarhouse.co.uk/contact-us/

Who we are

For over a decade, we have been dedicated to providing expert third-party pensions administration services. [my bold] Our commitment to investing in the right people, processes, and systems has enabled us to achieve our vision of setting the highest standards of service and member care.

17 February 2026

We are a Stonewall Proud Employers AccomplishedOrganisation

We are delighted to announce that we have been accredited at the Accomplished level in the Stonewall Proud Employers Accreditation Scheme.
^^
This recognition reflects the strong foundations we have built to advance LGBTQ+ inclusion across our organisation. Stonewall describes the Accomplished tier as demonstrating “a strong start, with solid foundations being laid and meaningful steps underway” towards creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Another one for the "Proud Employers" list:

Central and Northwest London NHS Foundation Trust

19 February 2026

CNWL is proud to be accredited as a Leading Employer in the Proud Employers Accreditation Scheme; led by Stonewall.

CNWL founded its LGBTQ+ staff network over 10 years ago and has made significant strides towards creating an inclusive working environment. This is the eleventh year in a row that the Trust has taken part in the accreditation programme and achieving this status is a signal of the importance we continue to place on inclusion. You can read more about our Gold Award from last year on this page.

According to the scheme, being a "Leader" means "setting the standard, with impressive, consistent, and wide-reaching impact"

Nationally, more than a third of LGBT staff (35 per cent) have hidden who they are at work for fear of discrimination.

[BTW the "more than a third of LGBT staff" link cites a study by Stonewall way back in 2018...

LGBT in Britain - Work Report is Stonewall's report based on YouGov research with 3,213 LGBT employees, revealing troubling discrimination in Britain’s workplaces.

are they all stuck in the past?]

https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/news/cnwl-leading-employer-proud-employers-accreditation-scheme

Thanks for this, Marie.

Possibly. But these don't seem to be UK high flyers? The one thing in common a few of them have is that they pitch themselves as global companies/firms. And Stonewall is definitely trying to "go global." Searching for "Proud Employers" brings up very few companies, so it may be that there aren't very many yet, or it may be that employers have signed up to it, but they're not happy about advertising that fact (hmm) or haven't gotten around to advertising it on their websites yet.

The pricing for the Proud Employers scheme is also not publicly available, that I have been able to find.

If working in the UK doesn't bring Stonewall the money or influence it wants, and they're looking globally, then they might feel that Canada, Ireland, and Australia would be better markets for them.