Award for commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion at work

23 February 2022

Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) is pleased to announce we have received an accolade for our commitment to inclusion of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people in the workplace.

This year, the health board received a Silver award from Stonewall, the world’s second-largest LGBTQ+ charity. For twenty years, the charity has been supporting employers to create welcoming workplaces for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people.

Among the initiatives introduced by the health board is an LGBTQ+ Staff Network, for LGBTQ+ staff and allies, which provides peer support, advice and ensures that staff voices are heard. Staff can also attend training sessions, such as How to be a better Ally; Trans Awareness training; and delivering LGBT Inclusive services. The health board also celebrate key events throughout the year, such as LGBT History Month, Pride, and Trans Visibility Day.

Joshua Beynon, Primary Care Services Manager at Hywel Dda UHB, and Enfys LGBTQ+ Staff Network member, said: “I have worked in a number of organisations but feel that Hywel Dda has been the most welcoming place for me to be as a gay man.  I have always felt welcomed, supported and treated with respect.  Having an inclusive workplace reminds me that I don’t need to hide any aspect of who I am and that I can always be open with colleagues and patients, knowing that I have the full support of the Health Board. Thank you Hywel Dda.”

Lisa Gostling, Director of Workforce & Organisational Development, at Hywel Dda UHB, said: “Everything we do as a health board, whether it’s providing services in the community, or in hospitals, begins with our staff. The well-being of colleagues is of paramount importance and I’m proud of the efforts made to date to ensure the health board treats people with the respect and dignity they deserve. We are not a health board that rests on laurels, so next year we aim to achieve the Gold award.”

Liz Ward, Director of Programmes at Stonewall, said: “It’s fantastic that Hywel Dda UHB has gained the Silver award for its efforts and commitment to creating an inclusive work environment, and we look forward to seeing and supporting the rest of their inclusion journey.”