Citi has once again been recognised as a Top 100 LGBTQ+ inclusive employer for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer colleagues in the UK in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, ranking 10th out of more than 250 organisations. Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers 2023 list recognises exceptional employers who are committed to supporting their LGBTQ+ staff and customers.
Locally, Citi Belfast’s Pride Network, an over 500 member-strong network of LGBTQ+ staff and allies from across Belfast’s sites, has also been awarded a ‘Highly Commended Network Group,’ celebrating their work in raising awareness, organising events, providing expertise and working closely with local communities and organisations on equality and workplace inclusion, whilst Odhrán Devlin, Business Manager, Citi Global Sourcing – Staffing Office based in Belfast, has been recognised for his exceptional leadership and awarded a Stonewall Changemaker of the Year Award, highlighting his continued dedication to growing the network as well as broadening engagement within the local community through outreach events and initiatives.
Sharing the exciting news with the Citi Belfast Team Leigh Meyer, Site Head of Citi Belfast, said, “Citi is proud to have been recognised again this year with several awards from the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index 2023, reflecting our continued commitment and efforts to be an LGBTQ+ inclusive employer. These awards come during LGBTQ+ History Month in the UK and add a special element to our celebrations and commemorations throughout the month. Over the past year Citi Belfast has continued to build on the success of being one of the lead signatories in the Businesses for Love Equality campaign in 2018, calling for the introduction of equal marriage in Northern Ireland.
“As part of the submission this year, the local network shared highlights from a range of activities that took place for colleagues across our Belfast sites, including partnership with local LGBTQ+ sector organisations including The Rainbow Project, Cara-Friend, and HERe NI.
We are incredibly proud of the work taking place in Northern Ireland to advance the rights and inclusion of LGBTQ+ colleagues and wider community, and would like to thank Odhrán and the Belfast and London Pride Networks for all their important work, passion and dedication to making Citi a workplace where LGBTQ+ employees can bring their full selves to work.”
Commenting on his personal recognition Odhrán Devlin said, “I am honoured to have been awarded one of Stonewall’s Changemaker of the Year awards and am proud to contribute to the outstanding work Citi’s Pride network continues to do not only internally but across Northern Ireland. It has been great to be able to partner with local LGBTQ+ sector organisations who provide invaluable support to LGBTQ+ people across Northern Ireland.”
“We know from research that coming out in the workplace is still a major barrier facing individuals from the LGBTQ+ community, and at Citi we have taken steps to ensure that marginalised and underrepresented groups feel welcome and respected. Individuals at every level of the organisation have the opportunity to educate themselves and engage on LGBTQ+ issues and understand how they may impact people’s workplace experience.
“Working with the key sector organisations in Northern Ireland including The Rainbow Project, Cara-Friend, and HERe NI has informed the way we approach LGBTQ+ representation and advocacy within our workplace here in Belfast. We consider their work to be invaluable in protecting and improving the lives of LGBTQ+ people in Northern Ireland.”
Reflecting on the strength of Citi Belfast’s efforts for LGBTQ+ inclusion, Peter Holden, Global Head of End User Services and business sponsor of the Citi Belfast Pride Network added, “Since entering the Stonewall Index, the Pride Network and the wider Belfast site have continued to drive change in the workplace to make Citi Belfast more inclusive. We are delighted that our outcomes continue to be celebrated, confirming that Citi is a great place to bring your whole self to work.”
Stonewall’s research shows that more than a third of LGBTQ+ staff (35 per cent) in the UK hide who they are at work, while one in five (18 per cent) have been the target of negative comments because they’re LGBTQ+. As a global financial institution, Citi continues to work to promote more welcoming workplaces, share best practice and collaborate with its networks for greater levels of LGBTQ+ inclusion across the world.
Nancy Kelley, CEO of Stonewall (she/her) said: ‘It’s been fantastic to see all of the work put in by Citi Belfast over the past year to create a workplace where LGBTQ+ staff feel free to thrive as themselves.
‘For many of us, the majority of our time is spent at work, so if we have to hide who we are it can take an enormous personal toll and hold us back from fulfilling our true potential. Creating environments where we can all feel comfortable makes our workplaces a safer, better and friendlier place for everyone and helps staff be proud of who they are.
‘We’re incredibly proud to see so many new entrants from a range of sectors on this year’s list, who are committed to making LGBTQ+ people’s lives better. That’s what inclusion is all about and we can’t wait to see.’
Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers List 2023 is the UK’s leading ranking of employers from public, private and third sectors on how inclusive their workplaces are. Creating inclusive environments makes the workplace safer and better for everyone – not just LGBTQ+ people. Further information on the Index can be found on the Stonewall website, as well as additional information about the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion.
