The Golden Jubilee has continued to receive recognition for its equalities work at the Stonewall Scotland Workplace Equality Index (WEI) awards.
The organisation – a national NHS Board – confirmed its place in the top 100 UK employers for the third year in a row, ranking at number 63 this year. In addition, Carole Anderson, the Golden Jubilee's Head of Performance and Strategy, was presented with the Stonewall Scotland LGBT Role Model Award.
Carole has been leading on LGBT equality work at Golden Jubilee since 2008, working to create a culture where staff feel safe to be "out" at work, and also aiming to ensure that people who use our services feel supported. She has recently been trained as a role model visiting secondary schools to talk to young people about her experience of being LGBT at school and the importance of having non LGBT Allies at school and in workplaces.
On receiving her award Carole said: "I'm honoured to receive this award from Stonewall Scotland and very proud to work for the Golden Jubilee. Our values-based culture sets us apart from other organisations; and together with support from my colleagues, this has been a key factor in encouraging me to step up as a role model."
Safia Qureshi, Director of Quality, Innovation and People at the Golden Jubilee, added: "Our work on equality, diversity and inclusion is an important part of how we demonstrate our organisational values, especially of valuing dignity and respect. We have worked hard to make these values even more visible and appreciate how they influence how we behave each and every day. We are delighted that Carole Anderson, one of our senior managers, has been recognised at a national level for her work in this area.
"We are firmly committed to providing the highest possible standard of care and service for every patient, visitor, delegate and guest who comes here. This can only happen because we are dedicated to creating an inclusive work environment that not only welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, but actively highlights and celebrates our unique mix of people."
Colin MacFarlane, Director of Stonewall Scotland, commented: "Carole has been chosen for the Scottish Role Model award because she has gone above and beyond to ensure that LGBT people are accepted without exception, not only at the Golden Jubilee but across NHSScotland. The NHS is a more inclusive place thanks to having Carole as a visible, vocal role model. We thank her for all she has done to promote LGBT equality in Scotland."
