The NHS employs around 1.3 million people, it is estimated that six per cent of the UK population is LGB, it is therefore likely that 156,000 employees working
for the NHS are lesbian, gay or bisexual.
Working with lesbian, gay or bisexual people: a ten point action plan:
In partnership with Stonewall, we have put together a ten point action plan. By carrying out these actions NHS organisations will not only meet their legal duties, but also ensure that lesbian, gay or bisexual people can work in an environment which is free from discrimination and harassment.
Evidence
Evidence that discrimination exists, includes:
- A report published in June 2005 by the British Medical Association (BMA) on sexual orientation in the workplace. This showed that LGB people report a range of experiences as employees of the NHS, ranging from inclusivity to ignorance and even outright discrimination.
- The Department of Health commissioned Stonewall to undertake a project to identify the key barriers to reporting of homophobia against health and social care employees. Stonewall's report, 'Being the gay one: Experiences of lesbian, gay and bisexual people working in the health and social care sector', was published in June 2007 and includes a series of recommendations to the Department for overcoming these barriers.
Legislation and guidance
Legislation including the Sexual Orientation Regulations 2003 and the Civil Partnership Act reinforces the need to be responsive to Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual (LGB) people, and to challenge discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.
Changes to the law in December 2005 mean that Lesbian, gay and bisexual people are able to undertake civil partnership ceremonies. This gives them the same rights as married couples.
Employers in the NHS need to be aware of the implications of this Act, particularly in relation to pensions, next of kin and parental responsibilities, and in use of language and requests for information on application forms.
Employers will also need to ensure that systems are able to record information regarding same sex partners and this will mean updating next of kin and pension nominations.