Council's commitment to LGBT equality recognised with awards

The North East Workplace Equality Index (WEI) awards named the council as North East Employer of the Year while it was also handed the Staff Network of the Year award at the ceremony, which took place at Durham County Hall last night (Tuesday April 30). 

This follows the announcement earlier in the year from LGBT charity Stonewall that the council was named 5th – its highest-ever position – in the top 100 UK employers for workplace equality. 

 Stonewall also recognised the council as a top trans-inclusive employer and this was reiterated at the North East WEI awards with a trans employer score of 93%. 

 Over the last year the council has worked closely with local transgender organisations to raise awareness of the issues trans people face daily. In November 2019, the council joined with the NHS and other partners to organise a ground-breaking conference, aimed at raising awareness and understanding of the needs of the local trans community. 

 Ewen Weir, Newcastle City Council’s director for people and workplace equalities champion, said: “It is fantastic that the hard work being undertaken to ensure all staff are treated equally is being recognised and has been celebrated with these awards. 

 “Equality and fairness are among our principle values and we pride ourselves as a council, and as a city in general, as being open and inclusive to everyone without exception. It is heartening to see that that core principle is shining through for our staff.” 

 Pam Perry, Newcastle City Council’s assistant director for human resources, said: “The health and well being of our colleagues is vital to us and we are determined to maintain a workplace environment where everybody feels able to be themselves and be open about who they are. 

 “These awards are fantastic for highlighting the outstanding work that has been undertaken in the region and by ourselves.  I’m also proud to be part of region which is so committed to equality and inclusion.” 

 The North East WEI awards celebrate and support the organisations and individuals who have made significant contributions to the North East’s LGBT landscape over the past 12 months.