Staff and students at West Nottinghamshire College have raised the rainbow flags across their campuses to support the beginning of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) history month.

The college’s commitment to supporting LGBT staff has also been recognised recently through the Top 100 Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index.

Out of the hundreds of employers surveyed, the college also climbed 50 places to 93rd spot from 143rd position last year – and is the only Further Education college to feature in this prestigious listing.

The Top 100 list is based on the results of Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index, the twelfth published by the charity. The Index is based on a range of key indicators which include a confidential questionnaire of LGBT staff.

Four flags were launched across the college sites in Mansfield and Ashfield by chair of the staff LGBT network, Jane Hawksford, equality and diversity intern Alexander Stone and hospitality and catering student Brandon Lawrence, who sits on the student ‘Connected’ LGBT group.

Chair of the staff LGBT network, Jane Hawksford, said: “Displaying the flags not only marks the beginning of LGBT history month, but it clearly displays our immense pride at being named an organisation which welcomes and supports LGBT students and staff and we hope it continues to raise awareness.”

Pictured are Alexander Stone, Brandon Lawrence and Jane Hawksford with the LGBT flag at the Derby Road campus.