Riverside has once again retained its position as one of Stonewall’s top 100 best employers in the league table compiled by the gay rights campaigning organisation announced today.

The 55,000-home housing association joins seven other housing providers nationwide in the top 100. Riverside is the best gay-friendly housing association in the North West for the third year in succession.

John Glenton, Riverside’s chair of Spectrum, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) staff group, is delighted with the recognition.

“This year more organisations than ever entered the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, so I’m thrilled that we still retain our position in the top 100,” said John. “I’m very proud to work for an organisation that values diversity and supports colleagues who are comfortable being themselves in the workplace. Our commitment to inclusivity means that we can all get on with the job of transforming lives and revitalising neighbourhoods, regardless of sexual orientation.”

John is to attend an awards event this evening in London, to celebrate the launch of the Stonewall Top 100 Employers 2016.

Riverside is the best gay-friendly housing association in the North West for the third year in succession

Ruth Hunt, Chief Executive, Stonewall said:

“Riverside and all of those employers that secured a place in the Stonewall Top 100 Employers 2016 list performed fantastically this year. We have had more submissions than ever before and so making the list is a huge achievement. I’d like to thank all of those organisations for their continued efforts to ensure that their lesbian, gay, bi and trans staff feel comfortable to bring their whole selves to work and are accepted without exception”.

Over 400 organisations took part in the list this year. MI5 came top, with Lloyds Banking Group second, and the National Assembly for Wales third.

John added: “Not only are we helping to combat discrimination in the workplace, but here at Riverside we are making sure that our LGBT tenants feel comfortable in their neighbourhoods. Our annual LGBT tenant conference is a great way to find out about specific housing issues and develop action plans to make positive changes.”