- Stonewall has launched a new approach to workplace inclusion - Proud Employers - at a London Stock Exchange Market closing ceremony.

- On 5 July during Pride in London, the charity unveiled a new three-year strategy and visual identity as it prepares for the increasingly uncertain future facing LGBTQ+ people and the challenges ahead.

- Stonewall’s new workplace inclusion approach comes as a new YouGov poll commissioned by Stonewall reveals under half (44%) of the UK public believe that current employment rights aimed at ensuring LGBT+ people are treated equally in the workplace get the balance about right.

- The poll also reveals over two thirds (69%) of people in the UK believe the country is inclusive towards LGBT+ people and the majority think that’s a good thing. But there’s still more to do given many LGBTQ+ people do not feel this sentiment - and the fact the UK has dropped sharply down the global leaderboard for LGBTQ+ rights.

Thursday 10 July: Stonewall gathered business leaders to announce the launch of its new approach to workplace inclusion, Proud Employers, alongside a new kitemarking scheme designed to recognise employers leading the way in LGBTQ+ inclusion.

To mark the launch, Stonewall’s CEO Simon Blake OBE was joined by Government Equalities Minister Dame Nia Griffith MP at the London Stock Exchange for its market close ceremony.

The launch of Proud Employers comes only days after the leading LGBTQ+ charity unveiled a new strategic approach and a refreshed visual identity at Pride in London. Together with its re-imagined approach to workplace inclusion, the charity is refocusing to meet the challenges facing LGBTQ+ people with renewed focus and commitment.

The new workplace approach is unveiled as results of a new YouGov poll, commissioned by Stonewall, reveal under half (44%) of the UK public believe that current employment rights aimed at ensuring LGBTQ+ people are treated equally in the workplace get the balance about right.

The poll also revealed over two thirds (69%) of the UK public believe the country is inclusive towards LGBTQ+ people, and the vast majority of those think this inclusivity is a good thing. Three in five (60%) would see a shift to more negative attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people as unwelcome.

The polling comes as the LGBTQ+ community sees hard won rights under threat globally.

Simon Blake OBE, CEO of Stonewall said: “Today we launch our workplace inclusion programme Proud Employers, part of Stonewall’s new strategic direction, in the heart of London’s business community.

“Despite the progress we’ve made with others, there is still so much more to do. Global rights and the principles of inclusion are under threat.

“We have been supporting workplaces for over 20 years. Times have changed since this work began, but the business case for inclusion has not – inclusion matters. We must continue working to create a society and working environment that supports LGBTQ+ people to thrive. Inclusion makes business sense for organisations too - it supports growth, enables them to keep good people and drives success.

“Proud Employers will support workplaces in LGBTQ+ inclusion and enable them to demonstrate their commitment.

“Sadly we are yet again in turbulent times, similar to when I was growing up. We must stand together in courage, unity and hope.”

Speaking at the event, Minister for Equalities Dame Nia Griffith MP said: “It’s a real pleasure to…launch Stonewall’s new strategy: In Courage and Unity, is Hope. Those words feel particularly resonant this year. It takes courage to speak up, to show up, and to live authentically. It takes unity to build real, lasting change. And hope is what keeps our movement moving forward.

“I want to thank Stonewall for its decades of work in driving that progress, and for continuing to lead with both principle and purpose. You have transformed not just policies, but culture, and you’ve helped ensure that so many more people feel proud of who they are.

“When workplaces embrace diversity, everyone benefits. Because inclusion is not just good ethics. It’s good business too…everyone should be able to bring their whole selves to work.”

Stonewall's new strategy - ‘In courage and unity, is hope’

In its new strategy, the charity is deepening its focus on equality under the law for all LGBTQ+ people, despite global uncertainty.

The new strategy states: "Globally we are in the midst of a cultural backlash and moral panic. It is a time of regressive laws, curtailing freedoms, and the rise of populist movements. We are reminded yet again that hard-won rights are not always secure. We are undoubtedly in another period of turbulence."

As it approaches its 40th birthday, Stonewall will focus on three core pillars: navigating turbulent times, shaping policy and inclusive places. It will return to its roots as pragmatic conveners resisting the rollback of rights for all LGBTQ+ people and advocating for progress with politicians and business leaders.

From being one of the few LGBTQ+ charities in the 1980s, Stonewall is now part of more than 3000 organisations in the sector.

Adding a vision of delivering equality under the law, the new strategy adds: "Together we must educate, motivate, and inspire lawmakers to support equality, and continue shaping the legislative and policy landscape to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people.”

Stonewall has begun a recruitment process for a new Chair, after Catherine Dixon announced that she is stepping down.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

For more information, please contact Maria Tennant in the Stonewall Press Office by emailing press.office@stonewall.org.uk.

- Images of the event can be downloaded from: https://lewispatrick.zenfolio.com/p903758167. Password is: STNWL_PE

- Interviews are available on request with CEO, Simon Blake OBE. Simon has been CEO of Stonewall since September 2024.

- YouGov Poll: All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,310 adults. The online survey was undertaken between 16th - 17th June 2025. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+). Full tables available from YouGov.

- Strategy: The 2025 – 2028 strategy document, "In Courage and Unity, is Hope", is available here

- Brand identity: Stonewall’s new streamlined visual identity is designed to showcase its strategic clarity of focus. We have chosen the historic ‘Proud Purple’ from the original Pride flag to represent the spirit and courage needed to navigate the turbulence currently facing LGBTQ+ people, and the arrow within our logo symbolises both equality and progress. Images of the new brand available on request

- Stonewall’s Chair, Catherine Dixon is stepping down after 8 years, 2 as chair. Stonewall’s vice chair, Ayla Holdom will take on the interim Chair position while the recruitment process is completed.

About Stonewall

We are Stonewall: a leading LGBTQ+ charity working to make the world a safe and equal place for LGBTQ+ people to live, work and thrive.

Stonewall is part of a vibrant, growing and global movement advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

Over the last 35+ years, we have helped create transformative change in the lives of LGBTQ+ people in the UK. Our work has driven positive change in public attitudes and public policy and there are now over 3000 LGBTQ+ organisations across the UK.

We deliver campaigns, programmes, and policy work that is focused on achieving deep, sustainable change, through convening, collaboration, and conversation. We support parliamentarians and lawmakers; design policies and campaigns and deliver programmes and services which focus on achieving equal rights for LGBTQ+ people.

Globally, we face increasing opposition to the belief that everyone deserves equal rights. It is more important than ever that we stand firm and advocate for what we know to be true: Everyone, everywhere, deserves equal rights.

Find out more at www.stonewall.org.uk

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