Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has been recognised as one of the UK’s top employers by LGBT charity Stonewall for a third successive year.

The Health Board was ranked 51st out of more than 430 UK employers for its approach to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people following a rigorous assessment carried out as part of Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index.

The Stonewall Workplace Equality Index assessed for their efforts in supporting lesbian, gay, bi and trans staff.

Stonewall’s assessors noted the health board’s efforts to provide a safe, inclusive place for its staff to work, with measures including quality employment policies, training and career development opportunities, and specific support for LGBT employees.

Stonewall also named Jack Jackson, Team Leader for Mental Wellbeing and Counselling, as its Trans Role Model of the Year. Jack, a member of the health board’s Celtic Pride network, has worked with the group to broaden awareness and understanding of trans issues across the organisation.

He has presented to Board members about his experiences as a trans person, and is working with the organisation’s Estates and Facilities department to examine buildings and their issues from a trans perspective.

Gary Doherty, Chief Executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said: “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised by Stonewall as the most improved health and social care sector employer in the Top 100 Employer list this year.

“Our increase of 44 places on last year is a fantastic achievement and is testament to the commitment and hard work of colleagues working towards equality for all and diversity in our workforce.

“We will continue to build on this to provide the most inclusive, welcoming and supportive working environment possible for everyone.”

Jack said: “It was a real surprise to win this award, and it’s a great honour to be named Stonewall’s Trans Role Model of the Year.

“I’ve taken great pride in helping influence the awareness of trans issues and hopefully making the health board a more inclusive place to work.

Ruth Hunt, Stonewall’s Chief Executive, said: “At a time when LGBT people are subject to profound discrimination and abuse, both in and out of the workplace, our LGBT-inclusive employers are a welcome beacon of hope that a positive future is possible.

“Creating a workplace environment that accepts everyone isn’t just the right thing to do, it makes good business sense. When staff feel comfortable, happy and understood they will, of course, perform much better than if they’re having to hide who they are, or if they’re scared to go to work for fear of abuse.

“All leaders, managers – all of us as colleagues – can stand up for LGBT people in the workplace and play a part. We can all play a part in changing our workplaces and our communities so that all LGBT people are accepted without exception.”