Newcastle Hospitals has received national recognition for its commitment to inclusion of LGBTQ+ staff in the workplace.

The trust received a gold employer award from Stonewall, the world’s second-largest LGBTQ+ charity.

According to the charity’s research, more than a third of LGBTQ+ staff hide who they are at work, while one in five have been the target of negative comments because they’re LGBTQ+. The charity has awarded a series of Gold, Silver and Bronze awards to organisations to celebrate their inclusion work.

Dame Jackie Daniel, chief executive of Newcastle Hospitals, said: “We’re delighted Newcastle Hospitals has received a gold award – as an organisation we recognise and celebrate the value that diversity brings and fully support every member of staff to be their authentic self.

“Members of our Board and Executive team are highly visible in their support for LGBT inclusion and in championing change for staff and patients regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, while our LGBT staff network plays a really important role in ensuring we value and celebrate diversity with passion and energy.”