June marks the month-long celebration of Pride Month.
Pride Month offers the chance to reflect on the progress made in the fight for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.
We would like to use this opportunity to highlight our ongoing commitment of fostering a workplace environment that values diversity and inclusion at its heart.
North Ayrshire Council is an inclusive employer and support is available. You are not alone.
We understand that how you feel at work not only impacts things like job satisfaction and productivity, but also your overall health.
Everyone has the right to feel respected and valued in an environment that allows them to flourish and bring their ‘whole selves’ into work. In this article we explore some of the steps that can be taken to help cultivate a more inclusive working environment for LGBTQ+ colleagues.
What steps can individuals take?
- Further your understanding – Carry out your own research into LGBTQ+ history and culture to grow your awareness and understanding. Websites such as Stonewall contain plenty of research and historical information.
- Don’t make assumptions about someone’s gender identity or sexual orientation – Making these types of assumptions is a way of reinforcing outdated stereotypes. Instead, try to catch yourself before making an assumption based on someone’s appearance. For example, instead of assuming a married colleague has a ‘wife’ or ‘husband’, you could instead refer to their other half as ‘partner’.
- Get actively involved – Make the effort to join in with any initiatives that are happening in your area. You could also consider setting up your own activity byorganising a fundraiser to support a LGBTQ+ charity. Please remember however that we are in the pre-election period ahead of the general election therefore, remember to follow the guidelines.
- Speak up – If you are being discriminated against or witness it at work try to tell someone such as your manager or HR team. It might not be easy to do this, but it is an important step towards identifying and dealing with this type of unacceptable behaviour.
Further support:
For LGBT support available locally visit: LGBT support (north-ayrshire.gov.uk)
If you would like to speak to someone in confidence, regarding any of the above you may wish to contact a member of the HR team or a Wellbeing Warrior.
Stonewall – LGBTQ+ charity offering support, resources and research.
Mind – Information around support for LGBTQ+ and mental health.
CIPD – Support for employers, including research on equalities, diversity and inclusion.
LGBT Health and Wellbeing – Charity with supportive resources including mental health and trans support.
Stay tuned to our social media channels where we will also be highlighting some of the youth led initiatives happening via our Youth Services team and other Pride Month highlights.
If you are working on a LGBT or other inclusion project that you would like help in promoting, email: communications@north-ayrshire.gov.uk and the team can consider it in future coverage.