GOVERNMENT Communications Headquarters, aka GCHQ, has been named the South West’s best employer for LGBT staff in Stonewall’s annual list of top 100 LGBT-inclusive employers.

The Cheltenham-based organisation has climbed to 54th in the list drawn up by Britain’s leading charity for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) equality.

GCHQ is the only South West region employer named on this year’s list.
The new ranking has seen GCHQ rise 135 places in the last three years.
Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index is an annual audit of workplace best practice and culture for lesbian, gay, bi, and trans staff. 

Ben, Chair of the GCHQ Pride Network, said: “I’m really chuffed we’re in the Top 100 again. 

“Especially after winning the Pink News Public Sector Equality award in October too. 

“We’ve been working so hard on making GCHQ a great place to be LGBT+, its brilliant to see it publicly recognised. 

“I’m particularly pleased as this is the first year that our trans equality has been assessed by Stonewall.”

Over the last year GCHQ has delivered an LGBT+ awareness course and trans and non-binary talks to staff. 

The organisation’s first gender-neutral toilets have been introduced and staff marked Asexual Awareness Week. 

Measures have also been taken beyond the organisation to encourage and inspire LGBT+ students to take up careers in British Intelligence. 

Details via: gchq.gov.uk/