‘Delivering Equality’ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGB&T) Module 6: Monitoring LGB&T

Monitoring Programme 1. Aims9. Mind our Language 2. Background10. Tips 3. Monitoring11. Be Prepared 4. What Monitoring Is/Isn’t12. Why are you asking these questions? 5. Why Monitor13. What else can I do? 6. What to Monitor14. Resources 7. Using the Data15. Conclusion 8. How to ask the questions16. Contact Us

Aims To understand why monitoring people’s gender identity and/or sexual orientation is important To understand how to ask people their gender identity and/or sexual orientation What can be done to encourage disclosure of gender identity and/or sexual orientation To feel comfortable and confident in asking people their gender identity and/or sexual orientation

Background In April 2012, NHS Somerset and Somerset LINk jointly commissioned the Diversity Trust to find out about the experiences and views of LGBT people of health and social care in Somerset. In particular, they wanted to hear about the stories, both positive and negative, LGBT people in Somerset had to tell about accessing and receiving health and social care. The research was carried out throughout the county between April and October The training and associated modules were developed as a result of the research.

Monitoring LGB&T People need to be comfortable and understand the reasons why the data is being collected If people are not comfortable about asking the question, this will be conveyed to the person they are asking The key is to focus on the fact that having the data helps improve the services the organisation provides

What is/isn’t Monitoring? Monitoring is: The confidential collection of data about people to ensure everyone is receiving the best possible services and that changes are made where necessary Monitoring isn’t: The collection of personal information that is collected to be nosey, and is shared and made public

Why Monitor? Monitoring staff, job applicants and service users on the grounds of gender, ethnicity and disability has been an integral part of the work of the public sector for many years

Why Monitor? Just like everyone else, Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual and Trans people should be protected from harassment and discrimination and should have full access to services and appropriate care. But only by asking people about their gender identity and sexual orientation can organisations measure the progress they're making to tackle inequalities

Why Monitor? Monitoring gender identity and sexual orientation helps organisations identify, tackle and prevent discrimination against Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual and Trans people, which can undermine the quality of care they receive

Why Monitor? Monitoring also provides a means of evaluating whether progress is being made, and can provide information about the next steps needed to tackle discrimination

Why Monitor? Actively identify areas where discriminatory practices might be occurring and proactively address those problems Minimise the incidents of discrimination Track improvements in service delivery

What to Monitor Assessment forms Registrations and records Consultation responses Feedback forms Complaints Grievances

Using the Data The data is collected to find out: Who is and who isn’t using services If certain groups are experiencing poorer health outcomes or poor treatment To access improvement when changes are made to tackle the above All data is collected confidentially and all data will be protected in accordance with the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998

How to ask the questions Gender Identity (3 options) (Option 1) What is your gender? Male Female Other gender identity (please state) Prefer not to say (Option 2) Is your gender identity the same as the gender you were assigned at birth? Yes No Prefer not to say

How to ask the questions Gender Identity (Option 3) Do you, or have you ever, identified as Trans or Transgender? Yes No Other/Please explain your answer if you wish to: Prefer not to say

How to ask the questions Sexual Orientation What is your sexual orientation? Lesbian/Gay woman Gay man Bisexual woman Bisexual man Heterosexual woman Heterosexual man Other Prefer not to say The Office of National Statistics has found that if the sexual orientation question is asked before asking about someone’s religion or belief, the disclosure rate of sexual orientation is higher, without affecting religion or belief disclosure rates

Mind our Language Inappropriate language can create a further barrier to Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual and Trans people feeling comfortable to disclose their gender identity or sexual orientation Avoid ‘Homosexual’ (as it pathologises) ‘Prefer not to say’ and ‘other’ – do not assume Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Trans

Tips Ask the questions neutrally (with no judgement) in a professional and matter of fact way Taking part in monitoring is optional (applies to all monitoring) Provide information on why the information being collected is important for the organisation Update on the data protection policy and use of data policy

Be Prepared Here are some responses you may get: What is sexual orientation? What is heterosexual? That’s none of your business! Why are you asking me who I sleep with? ‘I’m normal mate’ I don’t understand the question…

Why are you asking these questions? We are asking about gender identity and sexual orientation because we need to know if Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans people are using the service Being Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual is when you are attracted to, or have relationships with people of the same sex Being straight, or heterosexual, is when you are attracted to, or have relationships with people of the opposite sex Being Trans, sometimes Transgender, is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or gender expression diverges in some way from the sex they were assigned at birth

What else can I do? Improving disclosure of gender identity and sexual orientation won’t happen overnight, changing the culture takes time… But there are things you can do to help Display clear policies on confidentiality and non- discrimination which explicitly mention gender identity and sexual orientation Put up posters with images of same-sex couples and Trans women and men with messages that are relevant to LGB&T people (make sure language in all communication is inclusive)

Resources Stonewalls ‘What’s it Got to Do With You’ enables organisations to explain why it’s important to take part in monitoring, including gender identity and sexual orientation monitoring, and to support individuals in doing so. You can download a PDF here

Conclusion Monitoring allows us to: Understand potential barriers to services Ensure appropriate services are developed Look at inequalities between different groups – e.g. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans communities Improve the way in which we meet the needs of all service users Measure performance, improvement and change Improve processes to tackle problems

Contact Us Phone Website Facebook Twitter