NHS Berkshire gets Stonewall "gay-friendly" accolade

The Stonewall index, published last week, showcased the best employers for gay, lesbian and bisexual staff.
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was ranked 86 out of 369 participating organisations and was one of only nine NHS Trusts in the top 100 this year.
It means that the trust has moved up from being ranked at 153 in 2013.
Director of corporate affairs and Berkshire Healthcare equality champion, Bev Searle, said: "Being ranked in the top 100 really means a lot to us.
"We know that valuing diversity in our workforce leads to greater satisfaction for everyone and ultimately leads to better outcomes for our patients and service users.
"If our workforce feels supported and valued that will be reflected in the care they give to the people we serve."
Deputy director of governance and chair of the Berkshire Healthcare Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender group, Stuart Gray, said: "I know Berkshire Healthcare is committed to supporting the people who work here, regardless of their sexuality. "Our group is there to help the organisation achieve this in the best way and to give support to colleagues when they need it. We are all delighted with this ranking as it proves that we are heading in the right direction.”
The Stonewall index is generated through a questionnaire covering areas including training, leadership, procurement and engagement with the LGB community.
LGB employees are also asked how they think their organisation performs as a gay-friendly employer.
Each organisation is given points which denote their place on the index.