GWENT Police is one of the UK's top 100 employers promoting equality in the workplace.

The force comes in at number 82 in Stonewalls Workplace Equality Index, which showcases Britain's top 100 employers for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff. Gwent Police was also named 'most improved Welsh employer' by Stonewall Cymru.

Assistant Chief Constable Simon Prince said: "This is the fourth time Gwent Police has been in the top 100 since joining the workplace equality index in February 2006. It shows we are consistently making efforts to improve our working environment and the service we provide to the public."

The force introduced a team of liaison officers to work with members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community suffering from hate crimes in December 2010. Since the team, which is made up of officers from across the force, was introduced the number of homophobic hate crimes reported had risen from 35 during the period December 2009 to November 2010 to 40 between December 2010 until November 2011.

A total of 363 organisations entered this year's Workplace Equality Index. The top 100 list is compiled using a range of indicators including a staff satisfaction survey.

* Have your say on how Gwent Police works towards fairness and equality by visiting http://forms.gwent.police.uk and completing a short questionnaire.