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

• Trained staff on how to embed LGBTQ+ into curriculum

• Trained staff on how to address homophobic or Transphobic lanagauge

• 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

‘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