Barclays named most gay-friendly Scottish employer in Stonewall ranking

Barclays has been named Scotland’s top employer for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

It is the highest placed Scottish employer in the 2012 Stonewall Top 100 Employers list.

The rankings are based on Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index, which surveyed over 7,500 LGBT people across the UK to assess their employers against measures such as how they implement equality policies, and their performance in recruitment and mentoring.

Mark McLane, Managing Director, Head of Global Diversity and Inclusion, Barclays, said: “This recognition in Scotland is a testament to the long-standing and wide-ranging commitment by Barclays to create an inclusive environment where all colleagues can achieve their greatest potential.”

"This recognition in Scotland is a testament to the long-standing and wide-ranging commitment by Barclays to create an inclusive environment where all colleagues can achieve their greatest potential."

Paul Burd, Managing Director, Head of Operations, Barclays Wealth and Head of Operations, Shared Services EMEA, added: “This recognition continues to affirm Barclays commitment to diversity and inclusion. Barclays has had a long-standing partnership with Stonewall, and this award pays testament to Barclays growing presence in Scotland and the vital work and support provided by our Spectrum Diversity Network for the LGBT community.”

Colin Macfarlane, Director of Stonewall Scotland, concluded: “In a labour market when competition for talent is stronger than ever before, the top Scottish employers featured in our guide have recognised the importance of sending a clear signal to staff, customers and to service users that they recognise that people perform better when they can be themselves. At a time when we need to ensure that Scotland utilises all its talent to ensure a strong and viable economy this has never been more important.”

The Lloyds Banking Group was ranked the second best employer for LGBT people in Scotland, with the Royal Bank of Scotland coming in at number three.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (public prosecutor) was named Most Improved Scottish Employer.