TLT earns top Stonewall accreditation for LGBTQ+ inclusion

National law firm TLT has been recognised as a “Trailblazing Employer” by Stonewall, achieving the highest level of accreditation under the organisation’s Proud Employers Accreditation Scheme.

The accolade places TLT among just 17 employers to receive the top ranking, with Stonewall praising the firm for “demonstrating leadership at its finest” and being “at the forefront of change” in advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion.

The Proud Employers Accreditation Scheme is a newly introduced benchmarking framework designed to assess and support organisations in building inclusive workplaces. It replaces the long-standing Workplace Equality Index and evaluates employers across areas including leadership, employee empowerment and the effectiveness of internal networks.

TLT’s submission was led by its LGBTQ+ employee network – one of six affinity groups within the firm – and highlighted strong engagement from senior leadership, active participation in Pride initiatives, and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ perspectives in internal policies and training programmes.

Helen Hodgkinson, chief people officer at TLT, said the recognition reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to embedding inclusion across its operations.

“We are honoured to have been accredited as a Trailblazing Employer by Stonewall. It reflects the importance we place on creating a truly inclusive culture, where our people feel respected, supported and able to be themselves at work,” she said.

“In 2024, we were awarded a Silver in the Workplace Equality Index. Achieving the highest level of Proud Employer recognition demonstrates the progress we have made, through real, tangible action.”

Hodgkinson added that TLT aims to set a benchmark for inclusive practices within the legal sector and beyond, while encouraging others to follow suit.

Tomos Rossiter, co-chair of the firm’s LGBTQ+ network, said the accreditation sends a strong signal to both current and prospective employees. “This recognition sends a clear message to LGBTQ+ people and allies considering a career with TLT that this is an inclusive place to work, where everyone can be themselves,” he said.

“Being one of only a handful of organisations to receive such a prestigious ranking reflects a significant amount of hard work.”

The firm said the accreditation also underpins its approach to client service, with an inclusive culture enabling teams to bring broader perspectives to legal advice and strengthen relationships with clients.

Stonewall remains one of the UK’s leading charities advocating for LGBTQ+ equality, working with organisations across sectors to improve inclusion and drive systemic change in the workplace.