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

[BridgetPhillipsonIsACowardlyJobsworth]

From summer 2025

Another one to watch out for: Stonewall's revamped and relaunched (prior to appointing their new chair) "Proud Employers" scheme.

As part of my trip down the rabbit hole of where the TRAs might go next, Stonewall seem to be doubling down on influencing legislation and business. Part of their strategy is going after the lawmakers in this country. We'll see how long this lasts under their new Chair.

https://www.attitude.co.uk/news/stonewall-unveils-new-approach-and-three-year-strategy-to-educate-motivate-and-inspire-lawmakers-487706/

Approaching its 40th anniversary, as part of the ‘In Courage and Unity, is Hope’ strategy, Stonewall says it will focus on being “pragmatic conveners resisting the rollback of rights for all LGBTQ+ people and advocating for progress with politicians and business leaders”.
^^
It also outlines a continued commitment to legal equality for LGBTQ+ people, stating:
“Together we must educate, motivate, and inspire lawmakers [my bold] to support equality, and continue shaping the legislative and policy landscape to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people.”.

As part of this transition, the charity has begun the search for a new Chair, following Catherine Dixon’s decision to step down.

Re Stonewall Proud Employers scheme, new from 2025:

see third para below, especially. This is what it means to be "proud" now: "privilege training" and "mandatory EDI training." They have learned nothing!

https://news.fmbusinessdaily.com/2026/03/emcor-uk-part-of-ocs-achieves-trailblazer-status-in-stonewalls-proud-employers-accreditation/

EMCOR UK, now part of OCS, has been accredited as a Trailblazing Employer in the Proud Employers Accreditation Scheme.
^^
EMCOR UK had a strong performance in all eight categories: leadership, empowering individuals, employee network groups, the employee lifecycle, policies and benefits, monitoring, supply chains and external engagement.
^^
Mandatory EDI training, allyship and privilege training for leaders, inclusive parental leave policies, anonymous diversity monitoring and targeted staff survey engagement were also recognised.

I'm hoping that sex matters get their own employer rating system out soon

Delta Housing, formerly Estuary Housing Association, Feb 2026
https://estuary.co.uk/news/we-are-recognised-as-trailblazer-in-stonewall-proud-employers-programme-6273/

Pennington Manches Cooper, law firm
https://www.penningtonslaw.com/news/penningtons-manches-cooper-achieves-stonewalls-proud-employer-leader-status/

Close Brothers, specialist banking group providing lending and deposit taking.
We employ approximately 3,000 people, principally in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Close Brothers Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
https://www.closebrothers.com/

Weightmans, law firm
https://www.weightmans.com/media-centre/news/weightmans-accredited-as-leader-in-stonewall-proud-employers-benchmarking-accreditation/

Through Proud Employers, our workplace inclusion programme, we help jobseekers find roles with organisations committed to equality for their LGBTQ+ staff.
https://www.proudemployers.org.uk/looking-to-recruit

Stonewall are definitely going for the "good for business" route
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/uploads/files/Stonewall-Trends-Report-2026-External.pdf

Looks like they are going to be trying to use ERGs (employee resource groups) to influence change from within employers
https://radius-networks.org/stonewall-shaping-lgbtq-workplace-rights/

ERGs Igniting Change
Although ERGs have been affected by the shifting landscape inside and outside organisations, Stonewall remains optimistic about their potential to ignite change.
“Whilst we are no doubt in the midst of a cultural backlash and moral panic, the work to advance inclusion in our workplaces continues with many ERGs finding creative, low-cost ways to continue supporting LGBTQ+ colleagues.”
Jake Laws – Stonewall

It all seems a bit random at the moment, nothing coming up in searches for large, well-known organizations, so we'll see where this goes. Mainly targeting business and legal at the moment, from what I've found.

The Proud Employers list seems to be hidden behind a members-only wall, so searches are all I can do right now.

Do they not want people to see the list?

Well hopefully there are more eyes on this batshittery now, so they won't be able to exert any undue influence without someone noticing and kicking up a fuss about it.

It's the activist groups embedded in every company and organisation that need the most watching, they're the enemy behind the lines infecting everything.

A reminder of the ground they have already lost:

Scottish Parliament joins list of employers pulling out of Stonewall diversity programme
...
Employers including the BBC, Channel 4, Ofsted, the Cabinet Office and equality watchdog the Equality and Human Rights Commission have all withdrawn from the scheme in recent years.
Reasons include Stonewall’s stance on trans issues, including the assertion that people should be allowed to self-identify in their chosen gender, and whether the scheme provides value for money.
Scottish Parliament joins employers pulling out of Stonewall diversity programme

Mystery surrounds the disappearance of several big companies from Stonewall’s annual list of the UK’s top 100 LGBTQ+ employers, following an exclusive investigation by Graduate Fog published on the eve of Pride month, which starts on 1 June.
While many top employers that ranked highly in 2022 are also prominent in the 2023 list, BP, NatWest, law firm Slaughter and May and the Bank of England are all missing from the list (also known as the Workplace Equality Index, or WEI) – as is Macquarie, the professional services firm that topped the list in 2022.

Is these firms’ disappearance a sign that their confidence in Stonewall is wavering – perhaps due to negative media coverage about the organisation, concerns about the legal validity of its recommendations, and/or discomfort with the organisation’s ‘no debate’ approach to discussions about how best to include trans and non-binary people in the workplace, as well as in wider society?
Are employers stepping back from Stonewall? You decide - Graduate Fog
May 31, 2023

So already in 2023 there were concerns about the legal validity of its recommendations, and in the previous article, from 27 March 2024, whether the scheme provides value for money.

These are probably the kind of non-ideological reasons that have most significance for organisations, esp commercial ones.

Tbh corporates and legal are pretty much the main orgs that stayed with the stonewall scheme anyway. Legal were early adopters as were finance and they've not stepped away so are they in fact targeting the ppl who already signed up anyway

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.

Thanks for this, Marie.

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

@KnottyAuty, one for us to keep an eye on…

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.

@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.

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

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.

Oh FFS.

Thanks @BridgetPhillipsonIsACowardlyJobsworth - this stuff is never ending.

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

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?

Please do! Thank you!

I wonder if Kemi Badenoch’s criticism of institutional internal diversity faction groups (eg police re racism)
would include Stonewall’s place among these?

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.

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.

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?

Thanks for the update

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.

This sounds like a good thing, a very good thing, could it be the activist's death grip is slipping and there's sunshine at the end of the tunnel. 🤞