13 January 2012
The London Ambulance Service is celebrating being named
among the country’s most gay-friendly workplaces.
It is the first time that the organisation has made Stonewall’s
Top 100 Employers list and was this year the only ambulance service
to do so.
The Service took 94th place in the 2012 list, which was
announced earlier this week.
Joint Chair of the Service’s Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB)
Forum, and Oval Ambulance Operations Manager, Steph Adams, said:
“This is a massive achievement as it is a very sought after and
prestigious recognition.
“It reflects the fact that people feel they can turn up at work
and are happy to be themselves. This has a really positive impact
on the patients we care for in London’s diverse communities.”
Chief Executive Peter Bradley said: “We are very proud that the
Service is an inclusive place to work and that we continue to value
the differences in our workforce.”
The Service’s submission to Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index
demonstrated inclusive policies, visible LGB leadership, and clear
visions and values that encourage openness and equality.
Barnehurst Paramedic Ben Evans added: “Being able to come to
work and be yourself without fear of prejudice or discrimination is
something that we are very fortunate to have. I was bullied in
previous jobs for being gay, and when I joined the Service I was
unsure of how everything would be accepted. I am pleased to say
that I was accepted with open arms.”
Notes to editors:
- For further information about the London Ambulance Service or
this news release please contact the communications department on
020 7783 2286.
- Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ldn_ambulance