Stonewall is grappling with a financial crisis, but is Trump’s choice to freeze foreign aid the culprit behind it?
Unlikely! Supporters, funders, and dedicated scheme members have been gradually stepping away from this troubled charity for years!
Stonewall's staff were left reeling when CEO Simon Blake delivered the grim news during an all-hands Teams call: a staggering 50% of the workforce would be laid off due to a major 'restructuring' within the charity. The staff was described as 'shellshocked,' as employees grappled with the sudden reality of the situation.
Blake referenced Donald Trump's decision to cut foreign aid as part of the financial turmoil, but the roots of the crisis run much deeper. Stonewall, once a celebrated advocate for LGB rights, has faced growing backlash over its stance on transgender ideology. Many individuals from the very LGB population that the organisation claims to support are turning their backs on it.
Stonewall’s controversial Diversity Champions Scheme faces a notable exodus. One by one, every single major government department has stepped back, expressing concerns over Stonewall's influence on policies shaping Whitehall. This trend isn't just limited to the corridors of power; prominent institutions like the BBC, Channel 4, Ofsted, and several top law firms have also reevaluating their ties to the charity’s workplace programs citing value for money.
Stonewall has been allocated a total of £570,000 from American taxpayers, translating to an average of approximately £192,000 annually. With a workforce of 114 employees, the financial landscape raises questions. If we take £191,759 a year and divide it among 57 salaries, it reveals an unlikely annual shortfall of about £3,364 per employee. The bigger picture is clear, Stonewall is in decline, and this significant 50% layoff was inevitable.