THE Scottish Government has been included in a list of the 100 most LGBT inclusive employers in the UK.
A report published by Stonewall considered LGBT practice across ten areas, including policies and benefits, employee lifecycle and senior leadership, aimed at enabling employers to measure, verify and improve inclusion.
A number of Scottish companies and organisations were included in the list, with the Scottish Government listed at 72.
A spokeswoman said that the Scottish Government is committed to building an inclusive workplace for employees.
She said: "LGBTI equality and inclusion are at the heart of our ambition to be a world-leading, diverse employer where people can be themselves at work.
"Stonewall's workplace equality index is a robust measure of whether our policies, practices and culture are delivering on our ambitions, and we are delighted to be recognised as one of the UK's Top 100 LGBT employers.
"We have worked hard to send an unwavering message about our commitment to LGBTI equality and inclusion.
"We have refreshed our trans policy and guidance, ensuring lived experience was at the heart of its development.
"We provide platforms for LGBTI role models, voices and experiences to be heard across the organisation and we have embedded trans inclusion into the design principles that are shaping our buildings and facilities.
"We are firmly committed to continuing to build an inclusive workplace where people feel valued and respected for who they are."
Law firm Pinsent Masons, which has offices across Scotland, was listed as number one on the list, having also secured top spot on the list in 2017 and 2018.
Skills Development Scotland features on the list at 18, with the Golden Jubilee Foundation at 37, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service at 51 and the City of Glasgow College listed at 81.
Stonewall executive director Darren Towers said: "Stonewall was set up 30 years ago to fight against the introduction of Section 28 - a vicious piece of legislation that banned local authorities from 'promoting homosexuality'.
"To now see higher education institutions dominating the top 100 for the first time shows not just how far we've come, but also sends a really positive message for the future.
"LGBT-inclusive employers play a crucial role in changing society by using their power and influence to proudly support LGBT people in their organisations.
"Our number one employer of 2019, Pinsent Masons, is leading the way championing lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality in the workplace.
"They know that helping staff feel that they can bring their full selves to work doesn't just make a huge difference to individual team members - it makes real business sense too.
"They are a shining example for others to follow on how to ensure all staff feel empowered and supported."
Richard Foley, of Pinsent Masons, said: 'This is a very special achievement for us.
"It isn't about reaching the top spot; it's about what the Stonewall workplace equality index stands for and what everyone engaged in it is working so hard to accomplish."
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