Lookers has become one of the first motor retailers to actively promote equality in its workforce by becoming a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

Stonewall is a leading employers’ programme that works to ensure that all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) staff are accepted without exception in the workplace.

The retailer joins over 700 other Stonewall partners in the programme and is now planning to launch its first LGBT network, which feature a forum in which members can organise events, discuss LGBT topics and generate ideas for improvement within the company.

Adam Carney, group diversity manager, said: “I am delighted that we have become one of Stonewall’s ‘Diversity Champions’ as it will become a key part of our work to promote diversity across the business, helping us to create an inclusive environment for our people and customers.

“We will be setting up an LGBT network within Lookers. This group will be for all our people to engage on LGBT events and news.”

Stonewall will now offer Lookers their library of research and best-practice guides, guidance and analysis on the company’s Workplace Equality Index and review group policies to ensure they are LGBT inclusive.

Stonewall representative, Matthew Moore, said: “We are delighted that Lookers has joined the Diversity Champions programme and I look forward to working with them to help ensure that it’s an inclusive workplace for all lesbian, gay, bi and trans staff.

“We know that people perform better at work when they can be themselves and that diverse teams lead to more creative and productive environments.

“Lookers is leading the way in this area and we hope they can influence other organisations to follow in their footsteps.”

Lookers’ group marketing director, Heike O’Leary, was this week shortlisted for a prestigious award that celebrates women in industry.

O’Leary has been nominated for the Corporate Leader title in the Forward Ladies National Awards 2017, the UK’s largest support network for women in business.

The nomination recognises work by Lookers to increase gender diversity among its workforce, with the retailer committed to the UK Automotive 30% Club, an initiative which aims to achieve a minimum of 30% of women in management positions by 2030.

O’Leary, who has been group marketing director at Lookers since 2015, said: “Our marketing team have worked hard to create valuable and successful marketing campaigns that appeal to our target customers. It is great to be recognised for this, particularly in such a male dominated industry.”