Hertfordshire Constabulary has been named in the top 30 per cent of Britain's most gay-friendly employers by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans charity Stonewall.

The force ranked 119 amongst a list of 415 employers, all rated by staff for their culture, diversity and inclusion in one of the UK's largest annual employment surveys.

Other entries in the Workplace Equality Index include six banking firms, including Lloyds and Royal Bank of Scotland, and 14 local authorities.

Ruth Hunt, chief executive of Stonewall said: “Hertfordshire Constabulary demonstrate a real commitment to create inclusive workplaces for lesbian, gay, bi and trans employees and stakeholders.

“Stonewall is delighted to work with such a passionate group of diverse organisations, whose hard work is truly helping us to transform institutions, and work towards a world where all LGBT people are accepted without exception.”

The 2016 submission attracted the highest number of entries since the Index first opened in 2005.

Each entrant compiles a submission demonstrating their organisation’s performance against a set of best practice criteria.

Superintendent Matthew Nicholls, the Constabulary’s lead for sexual orientation, said: “We are very pleased with our ranking. We have been working hard to ensure we are continually improving our support to our LGBT staff and officers and are providing an inclusive workplace.

"The fact that we have climbed 83 places and are in the top 30 per cent is a huge achievement, but there is more work for us to do and we aim to improve on this even further next year.

“I believe that we can maximise the potential of our staff by valuing difference in each other and allowing everyone to feel comfortable to be themselves no matter what their sexual orientation.

"I am determined to ensure this continues to resonate across the Constabulary and will work closely alongside the force’s LGBT support group to achieve this.

“It is so important that our workforce is reflective of the communities we serve so we can ensure we are aware of the issues that face them to support them effectively enough.

"We will be working hard over the coming months to ensure we are continually improving and I hope that anyone from the LGBT community who is considering employment with the Constabulary will be reassured by this year’s result.”