Gwent-headquartered Centric has become the first recruitment agency in Wales to join Stonewall Cymru’s Diversity Champions Programme.

Centric is one of Wales’ fastest growing recruitment agencies and the Diversity Champions Programme aims to make workplaces throughout the country more inclusive for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender people by working with employers.

Research used by Stonewall Cyrmu shows that one in six employees have been bullied on the basis of their sexual orientation, while the same figure do not feel comfortable being open about their sexual orientation in work.

The charity believes its partnership with Centric as a major recruitment agency will send a positive message to employers throughout Wales.

Andrew White, director of Stonewall Cyrmu, said: “We know that people perform better when they can be themselves, so we are delighted that Centric Recruitment has joined the Diversity Champions Programme - the first recruitment company in Wales to do so. This is an important step and we look forward to deepening our relationship with Centric as they work with us to support LGBT people and create a truly inclusive workplace environment.”

Centric, which has branches in Newport, Pontypool, Cardiff, Swansea and Pontypridd, places more than 600 people in employment every week and works with SMEs through to large-scale corporates in the provision of their recruitment needs.

As a diversity champion it is looking to not only build upon the foundations it has made within its own workplace, but work closely with Stonewall Cymru to advise and assist its clients too.

Dave Matthews, operations director, said: “This is an important partnership and one that brings with it the opportunity to reach employers throughout Wales through the work we do as a leading recruitment specialist. A person’s sexual orientation, race or religion should never impede upon them getting a job or mean that they are bullied in the workplace. I am very proud of the fact that the clients we work with share this belief and we are delighted to be working closely with Stonewall Cyrmu as a diversity champion to spread that message to more employers.”