Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index rules have caused an outrage after it suggested that companies allow gender fluid employees multiple email accounts. The Telegraph singled out the suggestion, publishing comments from Tory MPs opposed to it.
“Stonewall has unfortunately become hostage to extremist factions lately hence its index and awards have devalued in tandem,” John Hayes, who chairs the Common Sense Group of 60 Conservative MPs told the Telegraph. This kind of extremism should not be associated with NHS trusts or police forces.
“I will definitely write to the Cabinet Office asking that where public entities go down this road they do so on their own money rather than taxpayers’ money.”
For transgender rights protection, Stonewall has been one of most controversial LGBT+ charities over the last couple years.
Since 2021, several high-profile organisations including Ofcom and BBC have opted out of Workplace Equality Index based on Stonewall’s policy positions and neutrality.
This particular proposal features in one section of the Index concerned with how firms use workplace technology for creating inclusive environments for non-binary workers.
According to guidelines, if at least one example specifically concerns gender fluid people such as granting different photo, names or genders through linked intranet or electronic mail accounts then these firms “will get more points.”
But instead of pushing new ideas, this charity would like its critics to remember that all it does is make a recommendation.
“We are incredibly proud of our diversity champions programme and our Workplace Equality Index both uniform initiatives designed to encourage organisations in developing more inclusive working places for their LGBT+ staff,” said a spokesperson for Stonewell [sic] quoted in HR magazine.
“All people achieve better when they can freely express themselves. And certainly there is no harm in having regulations that give homosexual; lesbian; bi-sexual and transsexual workers equal chances to succeed at work just like everybody else does.”
“Our advice doesn’t tell you what you must do but may provide useful illustrations.” Small changes have no downsides, given that our workplaces are changing and we want everyone to feel comfortable there.
The spokeswoman added that the organisation’s submission conditions remained unchanged from last year.
They explained “Major alterations to the Workplace Equality Index criteria do not get made with every triennial period,” The requirements were last changed significantly in 2020. In addition, some minor adjustments may be done between years within an index cycle; for instance, more elaboration can be provided under a question.
“This would therefore be absolutely fallacious to state that any big shift has happened on the matters.” They are merely illustrative as in the case of having two linked emails.”
According to sources at Stonewall, employee feedback form is available for filling out by those who participated in this year’s index after the 2023 Workplace Equality Index submission period ended.
In February 2023, Stonewall will announce its Top 100 companies.