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The Forum has identified the following twelve steps to outline the aspects of tackling discrimination and promoting equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender staff and students in post-school education:

1. An explicit and well-publicised commitment to tackle discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, including promotion of equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender staff and learners.
2. Specific policy, procedure and action against homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying and harassment
3. Tangible action to increase the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender lives in education.
4. A senior manager to lead on developing sexual orientation and gender identity Equality.
5. Training for all staff and learners on sexual orientation and gender identity equality, including legislation and standards of behaviour.
6. Information on sexual orientation and gender identity equality in staff and student induction.
7. Incorporation in policies and procedures of relevant agreements on sexual orientation and gender identity equality, such as that between the education unions and the Association of Colleges.
8. Involvement of staff and students’ unions in the promotion of sexual orientation and gender identity equality.
9. Clear procedures for raising concerns about issues relating to sexual orientation and gender identity.
10. Inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity equality in single or full set of equality schemes.
11. Funding and development of strand specific equality action groups, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender support groups for staff and learners and other forms of organisation and support.
12. Incorporation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender learner issues into institutional improvement programmes.

About the Forum

The Forum brings together the following partners from the post-school education sector:

• Association of Colleges
• Association of Teachers and Lecturers
• Learning and Skills Improvement Service
• Equality Challenge Unit
• Learning and Skills Council
• Lifelong Learning UK
• National Union of Students
• UNISON
• University and College Union

The Forum is supported and funded by Lifelong Learning UK.

Email equalityanddiversity@lluk.org for more information.