Lancashire Constabulary has gained 135 places after ranking 116, achieving 117 points in this year's Stonewall World Equality Index (WEI).
Stonewall was founded in 1989, and since then has been at the forefront of unprecedented social and legal advancement for lesbian, gay and bisexual people living in Britain. In 2015 it extended its remit to campaign for trans equality.


This year 439 organisations took part in the Workplace Equality Index making it the most competitive Index ever. In addition, more than 90,000 employees across Britain took part in the staff feedback exercise making it one of the largest national employment surveys.



Lancashire Constabulary was one of the most improved organisations, with staff feedback being one of the best and is now listed in the top 10 of emergency services which entered.


As part of its commitment to gaining Stonewall accreditation, work has included: making amendments to policies and procedures, introduced sexual orientation monitoring and increased engagement around the LGB&T community. In addition the constabulary attended more than six Pride events and the national Sparkle Trans Pride event to showcase the organisation as an employer of choice.

Deputy Chief Constable Andy Rhodes said: "This is a brilliant result for Lancashire Constabulary. Whilst there is still a long way to go, everyone has put so much effort into this and working towards having an inclusive workforce, ensuring all our staff are supported and treated equally and in turn reaching out to Lancashire's LGBT communities."

Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw added: "This is a fantastic achievement and great news for Lancashire. It shows that equality in the workplace is continuing to rise and that the improvements for a better and more diverse workforce are successfully being recognised.

"It is particularly important because it highlights the fact that Lancashire Police force is reflective of our diverse community and this is extremely important in delivering effective policing.

"The evidence shows that we are demonstrating a positive attitude and outcome to those in the LGBT category and we will continue to work in this way. The team should be extremely proud and as these improvements continue, our emergency services will strive to make equality a main priority."