Queens Cross Housing Association has jumped 82 places in this year’s Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, a UK-wide benchmarking tool for lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) workplace equality.

The Association now ranked 310 of 430 organisations, up from 392 last year, one of the biggest ever improvements in the Index.

Entries to the Workplace Equality Index are judged on a number of areas, such as policy and practice and staff and community engagement. Sponsorship of OUTrun, a race held as part of Glasgow Pride week, and staff participation in events such as LGBT Youth’s Purple Friday and the No Bystanders campaign, contributed to progress this year.

It’s the second year Queens Cross has taken part.

Stonewall’s programmes officer, Sarah Chidlow, said: “A jump of 82 places is one of the strongest improvements of any organisations in the Index.

“It’s a testament to the progress made by Queens Cross in promoting their organisation as a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Chief executive Shona Stephen said: “It’s an honour to be placed on this year’s Workplace Equality Index. Being an open, inclusive organisation is incredibly important to us.

“We’re doing all we can to ensure we’re a fair, equal employer and landlord for all and we’re aiming to rise even higher next year.”