Overview

Many organisations have comprehensive policies which detail their commitment to equality. Larger employers often have LGBT+ staff groups, such as our own here at Royal Holloway and many companies have LGBT+ recruitment events to encourage applications. These are likely to be advertised on our Careers Portal and promoted on our social media, newsletters and emails and via Royal Holloway’s LGBT+ Society.

At Royal Holloway we also run an annual Diversity Careers Fair which is attended by organisations that have good diversity recruitment practices and a positive culture of diversity.  We will also promote the ever-growing number of online employer-led events that support diversity in the workplace on the  Events pages of our Careers Portal.

Finding LGBTQ+ positive Employers

Many graduate employers are recognising the benefits of recruiting a diverse workforce. Use employer websites in order to find out the different initiatives they may be involved in, or to learn about the support in place for LGBT staff within the workplace. Employee profiles may also be a good way to gauge how diverse the workforce is as well as looking for LGBTQ+ employee networks and support groups which may exist in some larger employers.

Stonewall compiles the Workplace Equality Index, which scores employers according to ‘their progress on lesbian, gay, bi and trans inclusion in the workplace’ (note: not all employers are listed). They also promote the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme.

Some large recruiters offer internship and work opportunities and programmes specifically to under-represented groups and to encourage diversity, so it’s worth checking out websites and looking out for programmes that may be relevant.    

It is your own choice whether to disclose any aspect of your personal life with any employer.

Discrimination

The Equality Act (2010) protects you against discrimination based on certain characteristics, including age, gender, disability, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or beliefs, and sexual orientation

It is not unlawful for an employer to collect information on race, ethnicity and other protected characteristics when recruiting new staff. Many organisations choose to do so in order to monitor the effectiveness of their equal opportunities policy. However, you do not have to give this information if you do not want to. Employers are legally required not to treat you differently because of your age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, or marriage.

See the UK Government’s Equality Act 2010 webpages for further information on your rights, what areas are covered by the act and what action you can take if you feel you have been unfairly discriminated against.

If you want to highlight any actions you took as part of an LGBTQ+ student society, or similar, as good evidence of your skills – you can do so without having to disclose your sexual identity.

Find out more about your rights and disclosure

Targetjobs - find out about your rights and disclosure. Comprehensive information about diversity rights with useful links and resources

Equality and Human Rights Commission: Advice on LGBTQ+ rights

Gender identity

In England, Scotland and Wales, the Equality Act 2010 makes unlawful any direct or indirect discrimination, harassment or victimisation due to gender reassignment. (See ‘The Equality Act 2010).

You do not have to disclose your gender identity to be protected by the Equality Act 2010.  You do not need to disclose gender identity during the recruitment process, however, particularly if you wish to transition, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and other organisations recommend that you discuss your gender identity with your employer so that they can support you as you, but it remains a personal choice.

Working outside the UK?

The legal situation may be different in other countries, so it is worth researching legislation in the country that you wish to work in. You may wish to discuss your particular situation with a Careers Consultant

Useful Resources

Stonewall - Campaign group supporting the LGBTQ+ community

LGBTjobs.co.uk - jobs board for LGBTQ+ positive employers

Proudemployers.org.uk - jobs board for LGBTQ+ inclusive employers

MyGwork - Global Business Community, Networking Hub and Jobs Board for LGBTQ+ Professionals and Graduates    

Diverscityinlaw - runs an annual event supporting LGBTQ+ students aspiring to legal careers in the City