It is the ninth consecutive year in which Pinsent Masons has been ranked in the list.

Paul Gillen, employment partner in the firm’s Belfast office (pictured), said: “This outstanding ranking is a validation of the work we do across the firm to support LGBT colleagues. As well as firm-wide initiatives such as our Allies Programme, our approach includes local initiatives and engagement.

“In Northern Ireland we are proud of our partnership with the Rainbow Project in the development, launch and promotion of ‘Diversity Champions’. The programme sets out voluntary standards for NI organisations seeking to be inclusive and safe workplaces for people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.”

Kate Fergusson, chair of the firm’s Allies network, added: “In the last twelve months, we have increased our focus on gender identity, introducing gender identity monitoring and reporting, publishing new guidelines on transitioning at work and providing training and awareness raising sessions for our people.

“Membership of the firm’s LGBT network and Allies network, which makes a commitment to championing LGBT equality across the business, has risen 31 per cent in the last year alone.

“We have also continued to support Stonewall’s education programme, linking this with our own award winning school partnership programme.

“This has involved some of our LGBT Network members being trained as role models and delivering speaker sessions in schools to help eradicate bullying and to promote tolerance and a culture where all children are free to be themselves.”

Duncan Bradshaw, director of membership programmes at Stonewall, said: “Pinsent Masons and all those who have made this year’s Top 100 Employers list have done a fantastic job, and really do put equality and inclusion at the forefront of their work.

“We were thrilled to have 439 submissions for this year’s Index, one of the most competitive yet, and I would like to thank each and every organisation that took part.

“With your continued efforts and hard work, we will continue to work toward a world where all lesbian, gay, bi and trans staff are welcomed and accepted without exception in their workplaces.”