Cambridge University was ranked the best higher education institution in the country in a survey on workplace equality.

The 2012 Stonewall Top 100 Employer’s List ranked the University an impressive joint 11th overall, an improvement of almost 80 places from last year.

Further praise was offered for Cambridge’s LGB&T staff network after being awarded ‘star performer status’ for it.

The survey seeks to provide a “definitive list of Britain’s most gay-friendly work places” and is formed from submissions to Stonewall’s Equality Workplace Index.

Other higher education insitutions included in the survey were the University of Salford (21st) and Cardiff University (49th) among others. Ernst and Young achieved first place overall.

Dr Nick Bampos, Senior Tutor at Trinity Hall and one of the University’s three Equality Champions, said: “the ranking shows us that the University is a responsive and inclusive employer that values diversity and looks to provide a supportive and exciting environment in which to work.”

Singird Fisher, Head of the Equality and Diversity department echoed this sentiment, saying the achievement reflected the fact that: “the University considers each and every member of its community to be equally valued.”

The department focuses on the promotion of equality and diversity for all protected groups, in accordance with the University’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Combined Equality Scheme. It provides information and support for all staff and also organises events and schemes, such as the Equality Champions to help combat discrimination.

Cambridge’s LGB&T staff network, whose achievements were recognised by Stonewall, is just one of the department’s sub-groups, which works alongside other groups such as the Women’s staff network and the Disabled staff network.