RPC ranked in top 100 employers for LGBTQ+ inclusion

Firm has risen to 79th place in Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index

Ranking puts RPC among the top 25 law firms recognised for inclusivity

International law firm RPC has been recognised as one of the top LGBTQ+ inclusive employers in the latest Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.

The firm, which received a gold award from Stonewall, ranked 79th for its commitment to inclusion of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people in the workplace and was among the top 25 law firms named in the index.

RPC's latest ranking is a significant improvement on the firm's 2020 ranking, when it was placed 123rd, and 2019, when it was placed 185th.

Stonewall, which was founded in 1989, is the world’s second-largest LGBTQ+ charity and supports employers in creating welcoming workplaces for LGBTQ+ staff.

According to the charity’s research, more than a third of LGBTQ+ staff (35 per cent) hide who they are at work, while one in five (18 per cent) have been the target of negative comments because they’re LGBTQ+.

The index ranks organisations in such areas a policies and benefits; networking groups; empowerment of individuals; and staff feedback.

Partner and RPC LGBTQ+ workstream lead Robert Morris said: "I'm thrilled that we have been recognised as being among the top 100 employers for LGBTQ+ inclusion.

"We're committed to advancing inclusivity and equality here at RPC and this all comes down to our people creating a welcoming workplace for all.

"I'm excited to continue to work with our amazing and committed members of RPC RAIN, as well as with Stonewall, to move the dial on LGBTQ+ inclusion and achieve an even higher ranking next year."

Liz Ward, director of programmes at Stonewall said:  "We spend so much of our time at work, and our career can be a huge part of how we define ourselves. Every single lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer person should be able to be themself at work.

"From understanding how HR policies, such as parental leave, will affect them, to being reassured that they can speak openly about their lives and partners at the coffee machine, the impact of inclusive workplaces can be life-changing."

The full ranking of Stonewall Top 100 Employers can be found here.