BP has this week been listed in the Top Global Employers list by Stonewall – the largest LGBT+ rights organisation in the UK and Europe for the third year running. One of fourteen companies to make the list, BP has been recognised for its work to establish a safe, inclusive work environment where employees can bring their whole selves to work.
Stonewall’s Global Index recognises organisations who have navigated the challenge of upholding inclusive values globally and made progress towards LGBT+ equality, no matter where in the world they operate. It promotes organisations who develop a clear and rigorous action plan for their work across the globe.
According to the report accompanying the list, BP was selected due to the support and training it offers. Sexual orientation and gender identity training is offered to all BP staff globally, which also includes trans-specific training. BP’s efforts to maintain an inclusive work environment even in countries where LGBT+ people may not be protected by workplace law was also highlighted.
Stonewall were impressed by BP’s efforts in Hungary in which all new employees must attend diversity and inclusion training and a roundtable discussion, which is attended by a member of the Hungary BP Pride BRG (Business Resource Group). All employees in Hungary are also invited to ‘Safe Space’ training sessions dedicated to sexual orientation and gender identity topics, with content adapted to the national and regional context.
Commenting on BP’s inclusion in the Top Global Employers list, Ruth Hunt – chief executive for Stonewall, said:
“BP have demonstrated a real commitment to ensuring that all their lesbian, gay, bi and trans staff and stakeholders feel included at work and we’re delighted to name them as one of our Top Global Employers for 2019. All 14 of these businesses truly are at the forefront of driving global LGBT inclusion in the workplace, which is such a crucial step in getting us closer to LGBT equality.”
Alan Haywood, CEO IST and BP Pride UK executive sponsor said:
“Recognition is a wonderful way to confirm that we’re making a difference; we all work hard to embrace diversity, to make it simply part of who we are and how we work – we do it because it’s the right thing to do, but recognition is nice.”
Eddy van Hattum (BP Pride UK co-chair) and Alan Haywood (BP Pride UK Exec Sponsor) attended the awards ceremony in London on Monday 15th July 2019. Other companies to make Stonewall’s Top Global Employers list include Accenture, Barclays, GSK, HSBC, SAP, Vodafone and more.