Surrey Police has been recognised for its work ensuring all lesbian, gay, bi and trans employees can be themselves in the workplace.

The force was named in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT+) charity Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index for 2017 for the first time, a benchmarking tool highlighting employers’ ability to create an inclusive work culture this week.

Organisations featured in the index have demonstrated their expertise in ten different areas of employment policies and procedures regarding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT+) matters. The areas include staff network groups, career development, internal training and engaging with local communities.

A spokesperson for the force stated that Surrey Police officers are supported and issues are raised through its LGBT+ Staff Network. The force also has LGBT+ Liaison Officers to specifically advise and support members of LGBT+ communities in the country.

Surrey Police was ranked 176th nationwide out of more than 400 organisations nationwide which entered into the index. Across the country, 18 police forces entered Stonewall’s index, with six breaking into the top 100 companies.

Surrey Police Deputy Chief Constable Gavin Stephens said: “We are extremely proud to have been awarded this position in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index for 2017.

“This is our first ever ranking and we hope it shows our dedication to creating a diverse workforce and we will continue to work towards maintaining an inclusive organisation that is reflective of the communities we serve.”

A Stonewall spokesperson stated: "The Workplace Equality Index is a powerful benchmarking tool used by employers to help ensure all lesbian, gay, bi and trans employees can be themselves in the workplace.

"Those who take part know that people perform better when they can be themselves."

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Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro (pictured above) praised the force on its achievement.

“We must encourage more people from within our diverse communities to seek opportunities within policing,” he said.

“I hope that this demonstrates the commitment to inclusivity that already exists and it would be fantastic to see even more forces added to the Index next year.

“I am particularly pleased that Surrey Police has been included for the first time. This is a great achievement which all officers and staff should be rightly proud of.”

Mr Munro was recently chosen as the national lead for Equalities, Diversity and Human Rights (EDHR) under the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ new formalised portfolio structure.

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