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IAR-001550 Response

(1) A copy of the Social Work policy relating to LGBT service users

and their needs,

  1. Social Work policy re. LGTB service users - To the best of my knowledge we do not have a specific departmental or corporate policy for LGTB issues. The following link is for `Our commitment to equality' `Policy/mission statement'. http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=39451 There is also a Corporate Equality Strategy which is now out of date and will be replaced by the Corporate Equality Scheme 2009-2012, for which preliminary consultation has begun. The GSCC Codes of practice (for social care workers) also include:

·        Promoting equal opportunities for service users and carers; and

·        Respecting diversity and different cultures and values. (1.5 & 1.6)

(2) Confirmation on the training that appointees within the Social

Work department, undertake to ensure that the needs of LGBT persons

are being met,

  1. Training - The multi agency programme of training in equality and diversity is structured as follows:

·        Part 1 - provides awareness of the 6 + 1 strands, expected standards of behaviour in the workplace and introduces the importance of challenging inappropriate behaviour - provided for DASC staff as part of their induction

·        Part 2 - develops the knowledge and skills (across the 6 + 1 strands) to promote equality and diversity at work and involves practice of confronting and challenging - both of these sessions are usually run on a multi agency basis and are mandatory for DASC members of staff

·        Managers' Workshop - provides leaders, managers and supervisors with the knowledge and understanding appropriate to their roles and responsibilities.                                 

At all of the above sessions the CSCI document `Putting people first: Equality and diversity matters 1. Providing appropriate services for lesbian, gay and bisexual and transgender people.'  is available and referred to by trainers.

·        The project `Better together' is an initiative between the DASC LTDU and Diversity Network for Cornwall. Members of minority groups, including those which represent LGTB people, are being invited to share their expertise by experience with groups of workers in social care. The intention is to develop understanding and insight locally and help build capacity within the DNfC organisations through the development and support of their members (for example, the 7303 training qualification will be made available.)

(3) Details of groups and organisations that provide advice and

guidance to the council regarding the needs of LGBT service users.

  1. Groups and organisations - our conduit for communicating with representative groups is through DNfC. During the coming year we will develop direct links as part of the `Better together' project.

 

Members of The Intercom Trust have provided a number of workshops organised by the Corporate Equality Team.

 

Please find further information attached to the response email

Response provided by Adult Social Care and Children Young People and Families