British Spy Agency Named Most Gay-Friendly Employer in the U.K.

The U.K. domestic intelligence agency, MI5, has been named the country’s most gay-friendly employer in an annual survey.

It beat over 400 organizations in Stonewall’s Top 100 list of best employers for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) staff.

More than 60,000 people from hundreds of companies took part in the anonymous survey which assessed staff engagement, career development and other factors.

“Diversity is vital for MI5, not just because it’s right that we represent the communities we serve, but because we rely on the skills of the most talented people whoever they are, and wherever they may be,” the head of MI5 Andrew Parker said in a statement. “This accolade from Stonewall is a great acknowledgment of the continued progress we have made over recent years in ensuring we draw on the widest possible pool of talent in our vital work.”

Lloyds Banking Group, the National Assembly for Wales and law firm Pinsent Masons also made it to Stonewall’s top five list.