Sexual Orientation

Sexual orientation

NHS Norfolk is committed to developing an organisational culture that promotes Equality and Diversity. As a public authority it is legally obliged to promote equality in the areas of disability, race and gender. We have developed strategies and schemes in line with current legislation that set out how we meet these duties and are extending this to include other areas of equality, namely, age, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

Equality Impact Assessment and NHS Norfolk

The purpose of an equality impact assessment is the ensure that our services, functions, policies and practices do not directly, indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally discriminate against the users of our services or our staff. Where an adverse impact is found we will develop objectives that mitigate the impact through the development and implementation of equality action plans.

Undertaking an Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) enables us to consider the impact of each current and proposed service, policy, procedure or function, not only with regard to race/ethnicity, disability and gender, but also in relation to religion and belief, sexual orientation, age and human rights. It is designed to ensure that ‘due regard’ is given to equality in relation to the services that we commission and, where appropriate, deliver and the manner in which we recruit, train and develop our staff.

The statutory duty to assess the impact of components also applies to partnerships and contractual relationships. These EqIA procedures apply to all policies, services, protocols, guidelines and strategies where NHS Norfolk is the lead agency.

For more information about the Equality impact Assessment.

Stonewalls 'Healthy Lives' programme

Healthy Lives is a unique programme providing bespoke support to NHS Trusts. The aim is to ensure that the needs of lesbian, gay and bisexual staff and patients are addressed by the NHS. The Healthy Lives programme helps NHS Trusts improve their workplaces and their health care to lesbian, gay and bisexual staff and the public. NHS Norfolk are one of twenty organisations receiving free tailored support from Stonewall targeted specifically at the NHS to improve engagement with lesbian, gay and bisexual staff and patients. As part of the Healthy Lives programme, NHS Norfolk is auditing their internal policies for LGBT inclusiveness. 

NHS Norfolk is also part of Stonewall's Diversity Champions programme. This is Britain's good practice forum in which employers can work with Stonewall and each other on sexual orientation issues. From 2005 to 2010 the programme has grown from 100 to 600 members. Stonewall's good practice forum presents a unique opportunity for employers to engage with one another on sexual orientation issues.

For more information about Healthy Lives, Stonewall  or Stonewall’s Diversity programme. 

Staff LGBT network

We have  an active LGBT staff network which aims to provide direction to promote dignity and respect in the workplace. It is also acts as a formal channel for LGBT staff to come together and share information and support, as well as opening up communication between managers and other LGBT staff.

Other related information

• Sexual Orientation – A practical guide for the NHS (Department of Health)
• An introduction in working with lesbian, gay and bisexual people (Department of Health)
• Reducing health inequalities for lesbian, gay and bisexual people (Stonewall)
• Protecting Patients: Your rights as lesbian, gay and bisexual people (General Medical Council)
• ‘Whats it got to do with you’ (Stonewall)  
• Research into Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual people in Norfolk today – Norfolk County Council

Equality and Diversity

If you would like more information, or to feedback any comments relating to this information, please contact:

Jennifer Downie
Equality and Diversity Manager - NHS Norfolk
Email: Jennifer.downie@norfolk.nhs.uk

For toolkit, guidance forms and assessments see Equality Impact Assessment section.