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1. About this guidance
This booklet provides guidance for local authorities in Scotland on how to improve policy and practice in relation to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ( LGBT) people. The content is based on information gathered from a research project commissioned by the Scottish Executive and published in 2005. The research involved collecting information from all 32 Scottish Councils in the form of questionnaires and, individual interviews with councillors, officers and local LGBT organisations in eight case study local authority areas.
The purpose of the booklet is to provide positive advice to assist Councils to assess their progress in developing their policies and practice in relation to LGBT people as well as some practical suggestions about good practice. Councils often experience more difficulty identifying and consulting with LGBT people than with other equalities groups, such as minority ethnic people or people with a disability. This is because most LGBT people have either experienced prejudice directly or have heard or read negative or homophobic opinions expressed about LGBT people. Therefore, many LGBT people choose not to reveal their sexual orientation. This presents a particular challenge to councils who have three responsibilities in this area. Firstly, councils must comply with the law and promote equality including LGBT equality. Secondly, they must ensure that services are fully responsive and provide best value; and, thirdly, they should ensure equality of opportunity in employment practices.
This guidance is in two main parts. The first part provides some ideas about how councils can be more responsive to LGBT people and the second part has a checklist which can be used to assess how your council has developed its approach to LGBT people.
The guidance provides advice and potential sources of support to councils who wish to develop their policies to encourage inclusion and challenge prejudice in relation to LGBT people. By doing this, they will make a significant contribution to Scotland becoming a more open and inclusive society. There are also other benefits which councils can achieve by being more aware of LGBT people. More inclusive recruitment and employment practices will encourage and retain the best talent. Training on LGBT issues will raise the awareness of employees and result in more inclusive and welcoming services which will improve performance by reducing mistakes and complaints. By becoming more aware of LGBT people, councils can become more effective in delivering services.
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