LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall names dentsu UK as one of the most inclusive employers in Britain

Dentsu UK has maintained 59th position on Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers list this year, in recognition of its commitment to the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people in the workplace.

Dentsu is the highest placed UK media agency group on the annual list which ranks organisations on their dedication to creating welcoming environments for their LGBTQ+ staff based on a set of standardised criteria - including ensuring HR policies are inclusive of LGBTQ+ people, as well as supporting and celebrating their identities at work.

Dentsu also secured a Gold Award for its commitment to inclusion of bi and trans people in the workplace.

In 2020 dentsu became the first marketing agency group to feature within Stonewall’s index.

Beth Freedman, CEO of dentsu X UK and executive sponsor of dentsu’s LGBTQ+ network &Proud said: “Earning a place on the list for the second year in a row and ranking as the top media agency group is a huge source of pride and testament to the work that &PROUD has done together with the whole business to empower our LGTBQ+ community.

However, while we will rightly celebrate and reflect on this achievement, we must also acknowledge that it is a single point in the journey as we strive to be a place where LGBTQ+ people and all our employees feel able to be the best version of themselves possible. We will continue our work to ensure that dentsu is a place where our people thrive because of who they are, not in spite of it.”

Liz Ward, Director of Programmes at Stonewall (she/her) said: “We’re delighted for dentsu UK whose incredible work towards LGBTQ+ inclusion this year has seen them land at 59th place in the Top 100. Every employer has a duty to make sure that their LGBTQ+ staff are free from discrimination at work, and our Top 100 list, alongside our Workplace Equality Index helps organisations reflect on their inclusion journey and celebrate best practice.

We spend much of our time at work, and our career can be a huge part of how we define ourselves. That’s why it’s vital that every single lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer person feels like they can be themselves in their workplace.”

For the last twenty years, Stonewall, the world’s second-largest LGBTQ+ charity, has been supporting employers to create welcoming workplaces for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people. According to the charity’s research, more than a third of LGBTQ+ staff (35 per cent) hide who they are at work, while one in five (18 per cent) have been the target of negative comments because they’re LGBTQ+. The full Top 100 list this year can be found on the Stonewall website, as well as further information about the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion, and more information on how the Top 100 list is created.

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Notes to Editors

About dentsu international

Part of dentsu, dentsu international is made up of eight leadership brands - Carat, dentsu X, iProspect, Isobar, dentsumcgarrybowen, Merkle, MKTG, Posterscope and supported by its specialist brands. Dentsu International helps clients to win, keep and grow their best customers and achieve meaningful progress for their businesses. With best-in-class services and solutions in media, CXM, and creative, dentsu international operates in over 145 markets worldwide with more than 46,000 dedicated specialists. www.dentsu.com

About Stonewall 

Stonewall is the UK’s leading charity for lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality, working to create a world where every lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer person is free to be themselves – wherever they are.

It was founded in 1989 by a small group of people who wanted to break down barriers to equality. Stonewall continues to campaign on LGBT Equality, as well as work with employers and schools to create environments which allow LGBTQ+ people to thrive.   

For more information on Stonewall’s work with organisations, through its Diversity Champions programme, and some of the press coverage during summer 2021 please see our FAQs here. To get involved visit us at www.stonewall.org.uk    Registered charity number 1101255