Keithley Wilkinson, Equality Manager for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, has been named Stonewall Cymru’s Ally of the Year.
Keithley was presented with this prestigious award at the Stonewall Cymru annual Workplace Equality Index Awards 2016, held on January 27 at the Senedd, hosted by the Presiding Officer, Dame Rosemary Butler AM.
Stonewall allies are individuals who do not identify as LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans) and believe that LGBT people should be free to be themselves and reach their full potential.
Allies have a critical role to play in creating inclusive environments and they’re key to advancing fair treatment for LGBT people at work, at home and in their communities.
Keithley has been instrumental in helping Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
reach number 50 in the Stonewall top 100 workplace equality index, ranking as 8th best employer in Wales.
Keithley has played a huge part in the LGBT FFlag Network (lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans, friends and family) and helped form the Rainbow Network , which is a support system for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and their friends and families.
Keithley said: “‘I’m absolutely thrilled to bits to be recognised by Stonewall Cymru as Ally of the Year.
“I am very lucky to be supported by our Board members and staff throughout the organisation who want to create a culture where people feel included and comfortable being themselves.
“I am proud to value people’s differences and I’m motivated to tackle inequality, and I commit to using my influence positively among colleagues and friends.
“I commit not to being a bystander – at work, at home, or anywhere.”
Helen Bennett, Co-chair of the Rainbow LGBT FFlag Network said: “On behalf of everyone in the Rainbow LGBT FFlag Network, I’d like to congratulate Keithley on this award.
“We are all so proud of what he has achieved and this award is thoroughly deserved for the hard work and commitment he has shown, helping to provide equality and inclusion for all employees of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.”
