Lancashire Police are celebrating after being ranked in the Top 100 Stonewall Index.

A total of 434 companies, from the public, private and third sector, were competing for their spot in the Stonewall World Equality Index.

Lancashire Police achieved 74th place in the Top 100 Employers List, increasing by 43 places from the previous year.

Stonewall, founded in 1989, has been the forefront of unprecedented social and legal advancement for lesbian, gay and bisexual people living in Britain.

In 2015, it extended its remit to campaign for trans equality.

Ian Mills, Chief Inspector at Lancashire Police, said: “Lancashire Police is immensely proud to be identified by Stonewall as a leading employer for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

“We are committed to valuing difference and supporting diversity within our workforce and communities and recognise the true potential a diverse workforce brings to the service we deliver, in order to keep people safe and feeling safe.”

This year, for the first time, employers could only rank in the Top 100 if they also demonstrated a significant commitment to trans equality in the workplace.

Read more: Police cars with rainbow stripes to patrol around Preston

Darren Towers, Executive Director, Stonewall said: “All those who have made this year’s Top 100 Employers list have done a fantastic job.

“Taking part in our Index shows real commitment to understanding and advancing LGBT equality.

“We recently published LGBT in Britain: Trans Report, which revealed the profound inequality facing trans people in Britain today.

“Half of trans people have hidden their identity at work for fear of discrimination.

“This must change and it’s encouraging to see so many organisations make a commitment to trans equality.

“With their support and hard work we can create a world where all lesbian, gay, bi and trans employees are welcomed and accepted without exception.”

Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “It is really important that modern police services reflect the communities they serve.

“This recognition from Stonewall shows the continuing commitment of Lancashire Police to equality in the workplace, but also highlights the excellent work it does alongside the diverse communities of Lancashire.

“Breaking into the top 100 employers should be a source of pride for everyone within Lancashire Police.

“This is not just about one team but the attitudes and culture of the whole organisation.

“We always have the ambition to keep on improving because understanding and drawing on the unique potential of individuals and communities from all backgrounds is vital to delivering effective policing.”

Read more: You can get police updates through Amazon Alexa

Victim Support, who provide Lancashire Victim Services on behalf of the Police and Crime Commissioner, also ranked 10th in the top 100.

Anyone affected by hate crime can access specialist support through their service by calling 0300 323 0085 or visiting their website.

Full results of the Top 100 Employers list can be found online.

Do you work with Lancashire Police? What do you think about the Stonewall World Equality Index? Let us know in the comments below