Supporting your LGBTQ+ workforce
NHS organisations should strive to create a culture and environment that welcomes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender staff, allowing them to be themselves at work and to contribute fully to the wider organisation.
A report by the CIPD revealed LGBTQ+ staff are more likely to experience conflict and harassment at work than their heterosexual and cisgender colleagues. Furthermore the 2023 NHS Staff Survey found that 32 per cent of gay or lesbian staff and 35 per cent of transgender staff reported bullying and harassment at work. Around one in five LGBTQ+ NHS staff reported personally experiencing physical violence at work. This infographic from the Health and Care LGBTQ+ Leaders Network explores the growing LGBTQ+ staff experience gap and actions you can take to support LGBTQ+ NHS colleagues.
To help you better understand and address the issues facing LGBTQ+ staff, we have provided a summary of information and links to LGBTQ+ resources below.
Health and Care LGBTQ+ Leaders Network
Led by the NHS Confederation, this network is for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) leaders and allies from a diverse range of roles and backgrounds across health and care.
The network has produced practical guidance for LGBTQ+ inclusion to support healthcare organisations to improve the experiences of LGBTQ+ staff and patients. Alongside this, the network has published a guide to improving trans allyship across the workforce. These resources are also supplemented by blogs, podcasts, and event recordings featuring network members and co-chairs on a range of topical subjects. You can also sign up to their inclusive leadership pledge and demonstrate your commitment to becoming an inclusive leader and access their LGBTQ+ inclusion framework.
Visit the Health and Care LGBTQ+ Leaders Network to find out more information and to join.
LGBTQ+ staff networks in the NHS
Watch our webinar below, held in partnership with the Health and Care LGBTQ+ Leaders Network and NHS England, which highlighted good practice and experiences of LGBTQ+ networks operating in the NHS.
The session addressed the growing complex role of allies and the unique issues facing LGBTQ+ people across intersections of our community – including disability, faith and ethnicity.
Download the slides from the session on The role and impact of LGBTQ+ networks and intersectionality.
LGBTQ+ Inclusion Resource Hub
Developed by the NHS Confederation’s Health and Care LGBTQ+ Leaders Network.
It includes resources and tools to support leaders, aspiring leaders and allies working across health and care to create inclusive environments where LGBTQ+ staff can thrive.
Visit the hub to access resources on LGBTQ+ inclusion; LGBTQ+ staff experience; supporting trans and non-binary staff; leadership; and staff networks.
