Nottinghamshire County Council has improved its position as one of the best places to work for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people — for a third successive year.

Leading LGBT rights charity Stonewall has ranked the council as the 51st most inclusive employer in the country in its annual Top 100 Employers report. It is 13 higher than in 2014.

Stonewall also recognised the work of the council’s LGBT Staff Network with a highly commended network group award. The network supports LGBT staff, challenges discrimination in the workplace, promotes awareness of LGBT issues and provides advice on making council services more LGBT-inclusive.

Initiatives launched by the council include:

New guidance aimed at supporting trans employees, primarily aimed at helping managers understand practical issues around recruitment and managing the needs of trans workers.

A Proud Allies scheme where all employees can show their visible support for LGBT colleagues by wearing a Proud Allies badge and championing equality issues in the workplace. More than 230 employees and councillors have already signed up.

Improved equality and diversity training for all employees, now including specific training on trans issues.

A booklet and video to showcase LGBT role models working in public services in Nottinghamshire, to be launched this month.

Coun Alan Rhodes, leader of the council, said: “This is a good example of how we are instilling ‘treating people fairly’ as one of our core values.

Pictured are Nottinghamshire County Council employees with Coun Alan Rhodes and chairman Coun Yvonne Woodhead holding the Rainbow Flag, the internationally-recognised symbol of the LGBT community.