Crown Estate defies staff fears and ‘ups commitment’ to Stonewall

THE Queen’s own estate is to strengthen links to Stonewall’s diversity programmes despite internal fears over a backlash against the charity’s controversial transgender position.

The LGBT charity’s “Diversity Champions” scheme monitoring issues including lavatory access and the use of pronouns at participating organisations, in return for a fee, has faced a members’ exodus over its perceived partisan stance on gender issues.

But correspondence from the Crown Estate, the body which manages £14billion of the monarch’s lands and holdings, reveals it is set to stick with the scheme despite staff fears about the backlash against the Stonewall.

While government departments and universities have cut ties, the Queen’s estate will not only continue to participate, but is looking to strengthen its connections to the charity accused of holding an “extremist stance” on gender.

According to internal messages, the Crown Estate is looking at “upping our commitment [and challenge to ourselves]” by signing up to the Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index, which ranks employers based on LGBT inclusivity.

This comes despite a member of staff at the Estate raising concerns about the body’s links with Stonewall, stating in internal emails: “There is a bubbling issue with Stonewall and whether they have extended their agenda too far.”

Another said that: “Stonewall are coming in for criticism on their position wrt [with regard to] the transgender rights.” Further emails warned: “This is a hot topic and has created a polarised position between some women’s groups and Stonewall.”

News of the Crown Estate’s position regarding Stonewall comes after scrutiny of the charity set up to promote LGBT rights, which founding member and former Tory MP Matthew Parris said had now “lost its way” and been “cornered into an extremist stance”.

A spokesman for the Crown Estate said: “Working to create a more diverse, inclusive and equal business is something that is really important to us.”

A Stonewall spokesman said: “It is a simple human right that everyone, including LGBTQ+ staff, is free from discrimination and prejudice at [work].”