OC&C Strategy Consultants highest ranked consultancy in LGBTQ+ list
Stonewall has released its annual list of the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ inclusive employers. OC&C Strategy Consultants has been named as the highest ranked player form the world of consulting.
Founded in 1989 by a small group of people who wanted to break down barriers to equality, Stonewall is a campaign organisation which lobbies the government and works with a partner-network of more than 700 organisations to help create real change for the LGBTQ+ community. Part of this mission sees the organisation work to empower LGBTQ+ people and their allies to be role models wherever they live, work, shop, socialise or pray.
Each year, this sees Stonewall roll out a new Workplace Equality Index. A voluntary tool, the index allows workplaces to measure their progress in building an inclusive environment for gay, lesbian, bi and trans employees in their UK operations, allowing them to identify the steps they can take to build a more equitable workplace.
Stonewall explained at the launch of its 2024 list, “LGBTQ+ people lie at the heart of every community in the UK, and are represented in every employment sector. We believe that LGBTQ+ people should have the same career opportunities as anyone else, and we understand that not everyone has the luxury of choosing where they work. Thus, we strive to ensure that our guidance and support on building inclusive workplaces is open and accessible to as many people as possible.”
This year, the list included a small contingent from the consulting industry. Topping that cohort was OC&C Strategy Consultants – a global strategy boutique with more than 30 years of experience at helping clients to solve complex business challenges.
OC&C has consistently moved up Stonewall’s annual rankings, having been listed as 81st of the top 100 in 2021, but now sitting at 14th on the list – as the top performing consulting firm.
Speaking on the firm’s progress, Jake Martin, global marketing manager at OC&C commented, “Another fantastic milestone for OC&C Strategy Consultants. Last year we ranked 35th. This year 14th. Forever onwards and upwards!”
Along with an LGBTQ+ Network of its own, OC&C also fosters inclusivity throughout its global network, and has partnerships with LGBTQ+ groups Just Like Us and SpeakOUT Boston. The recognition of this work from Stonewall further builds on the company’s reputation as an ethical employer – and OC&C was recently also confirmed as a certified B Corp, for which it underwent rigorous evaluation by B Lab, to ensure it meets high standards for social and environmental impact.
Elsewhere in the list, OC&C was joined by two other consulting firms. Big Four firm EY ranked 21st, and its rival KPMG was pegged at 22nd place. Like OC&C, EY and KPMG are both constant returners from the 2021 list – however, the consulting industry has seen its cohort shrink over the last two years, from five to three – suggesting as a whole, it may be being outpaced by other employers when it comes to creating inclusive environments.
