The Rainbow Flag Award* - Supporting and valuing
LGBT+ ‘The Rainbow Flag Award is a national quality assurance framework for primary schools, secondary schools, SEND schools and colleges. The award focuses on positive LGBT+, (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, plus other related identities), inclusion and visibility. The Rainbow Flag Award encourages a whole organisation approach to LGBT+ inclusion, as well as developing strategies to effectively challenge and combat LGBTphobic bullying.’ Committing our college to the Rainbow Flag Award is a commitment to improve the lives of all the young people that we work with, as well as the LGBT+ young peoplein our care, those from LGBT+ families and LGBT+ staff members. Throughout the past 12 month we have continued to reflect on our college and thought of ways we can be more LGBTQ+ friendly and become even more of an organisation where learners and staff feel safe to be ‘out’. We have further embedded the celebration of LGBTQ+ people in curriculum, created a weekly LGBTQ+ club and trained staff to better deal with LGBTQ+ in the classroom.
In the last 12 months we have undertaken the following actions: •
Created a weekly LGBTQ+ club that meets to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and provide support should it be needed
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Trained staff on how to embed LGBTQ+ into curriculum
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Trained staff on how to address homophobic or Transphobic lanagauge
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Reviewed and updated College policies to ensure we have policies and procedures in place that promote an LGBTQ+ environment and address any homophobic or transphobic behaviour
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The college has been supportive in helping me to realize that being gay will not and has not hindered my progression to a more senior role at the college. Moreover, I believe all LGBTQ+ members are equally supported. It is nice to feel that protection is there for me and others, should it be needed. Staff member, Bolton College
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* Working towards the Rainbow Flag Award Annual Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Report 2020-2021 55
