THE Welsh Assembly has been named one of the top five employers for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) staff in the UK for the fifth year in a row.

In its annual Workplace Equality Index, LGBT charity Stonewall has named the Assembly as the best employer in Wales, and one of the best in the UK.

Presiding officer Elin Jones welcomed the news.

“It shows that we have developed and sustained an inclusive culture demonstrating the Senedd’s commitment to represent all of Wales’ diverse communities," she said.

“We are determined to continue to make the National Assembly an enjoyable and rewarding place to work for all people as we believe the organisation achieves more with a diverse and inclusive workforce.”

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Services and facilities for LGBT Assembly staff include a network through which advice and support can be shared, while training to ensure the organisation is tran-inclusive is available.

Mid and West Wales AM Joyce Watson, Assembly Commissioner for equality, also welcomed the news.

“To consistently rank so highly is testament to our beliefs and I hope other organisations and companies can take inspiration from our approach,” she said.

The Assembly's chief executive and clerk Manon Antoniazzi said: “Promoting LGBT equality is an important part of who we are and is exemplified throughout the organisation - from our vibrant LGBT staff network, the training, resources and policies we have in place and the celebration of equality which is actively led by senior management.

“We also value sharing best practice across a wide range of other organisations, in both the public and private sectors, and will continue to encourage and be inspired by the efforts of others.”