CSCI publishes a new equality and diversity good practice bulletin
Providing appropriate services for lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender people
31 March 2008
One year after the introduction of a law establishing
equality in services on the grounds of sexual orientation, CSCI has
published the first in a series of three equality and diversity
good practice bulletins.
These are designed to help service providers address the new
personalisation agenda set out in the joint protocol Putting People
First. This first bulletin builds on good practice to help social
care providers make their services appropriate for lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender people, no matter what their sexual
orientation.
Dame Denise Platt, CSCI Chair, said: “Lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender people should feel safe, valued and have contact with
their friends and communities. All of this is important for
identity and self-esteem.”
Dame Denise continued: “People can only make choices if they are
given the opportunity to direct their own care. This bulletin aims
to encourage providers to fully understand their needs, and to work
in partnership with them to achieve this.”
CSCI’s bulletin reports that 45% of lesbian, gay and bisexual
people using social care services told CSCI that they had
experienced discrimination. Leadership in services is needed to
change the ethos: only 9% of registered services say they are
taking specific action on equality for lesbian, gay and bisexual
people.
The bulletin also states that services must ensure that lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender people feel welcome and able to “come
out” if they wish. Services should review publicity, policies,
assessment procedures and provide staff training on equality.
Get
help using PDFs