Stonewall last week launched the tenth edition of the Starting Out guide – Britain’s national guide of gay-friendly employers for lesbian, gay and bisexual students and jobseekers. Supported by Credit Suisse, the 2014 guide showcases 573 employers and Diversity Champions – 25 per cent more than in 2013, and the highest to date.

LGB students, graduates and jobseekers at the launch event – supported by Square Peg Media – networked and discussed potential careers prospects with over 300 Diversity Champions from across sectors including retail, local government and, for the first time, Property, Engineering and Construction.

Stonewall’s Chief Executive Ruth Hunt and Katie Cornhill, from Hampshire Fire and Rescue, both spoke at the launch event, held at ETC Venues in London.

Simon Feeke, Stonewall’s Director of Workplace said: ‘At Stonewall we know that people perform better when they can be themselves, and the Starting Out guide helps individuals to find an employer that will allow them to fulfil their potential. We’re really pleased with the 2014 edition, which welcomes new Diversity Champions including Teach First, British Gas, Telegraph Media Group and Leeds United Football Club.’

You can read Stonewall’s Starting Out guide online: www.startingoutguide.org.uk