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LGBTQ+ Considerations for Equality Impact Assessments

This resource offers a set of reflective and practical question prompts to aid staff completing an Equality Impact Assessment in identifying risks and mitigating any negative impacts of their work on LGBTQ+ people, in order to promote a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students, staff, and other stakeholders.

Not all questions will be relevant to all work, but they offer a suitable starting point for most work requiring an Equality Impact Assessment at the University.

Disclosure and Confidentiality

  • Are LGBTQ+ individuals required to disclose information about their gender or sexual orientation that they might prefer to keep private?
  • In line with the GDPR data minimisation principle, is any personal data collected limited to what is directly relevant and necessary for the specific purpose?
  • Are there protections in place to ensure that any sensitive data disclosed is kept confidential and not shared without consent?

Outing and Privacy

  • Could LGBTQ+ individuals be unintentionally 'outed' by requiring them to provide information about their identities, relationships, or personal lives?
  • Are there safeguards to prevent outing of LGBTQ+ individuals?

Assumptions and Inclusivity

  • What assumptions are being made about people’s identities, experiences, documentation (legal name or gender markers), relationships and family structures that might not apply equally to LGBTQ+ individuals?
  • How can these assumptions be challenged, removed, or revised to be more inclusive?

Negative Consequences

  • Are there any negative consequences that might disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ individuals, such as disciplinary actions, exclusion from opportunities, or increased scrutiny?
  • How can these negative consequences be mitigated?

Barriers to Engagement

  • Are there specific barriers that might prevent LGBTQ+ individuals from fully engaging or participating?
  • How can these barriers be identified and removed to ensure equal access and full participation?

Sensitive Data Handling

  • Is there a risk that data collected (such as legal sex markers, legal names, or emergency contact details for a partner) could be misused or lead to discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals?
  • Are there clear guidelines on how sensitive data should be handled and protected?

Use of Correct Data

  • Will chosen names, pronouns, and appropriate gendered or gender-neutral language be used consistently and respectfully?
  • Are there procedures in place to update data/records promptly if a person’s chosen name or gender identity changes?

Gendered Language and Assumptions

  • Does the policy or process make assumptions about gender that could exclude or misgender LGBTQ+ individuals?
  • How can assumptions be avoided and language be made more inclusive to avoid assumptions about gender?

Public Sector Equality Duty

  • Is unlawful behaviour under the Equality Act 2010 prevented or addressed, such as discrimination, harassment and victimisation?
  • Does it promote positive interactions and understanding between LGBTQ+ individuals and those who do not share the same protected characteristics?
  • Does it advance equal opportunities between LGBTQ+ individuals and those who do not share the same protected characteristics?

Equity of Benefits

  • Are any benefits equally accessible to LGBTQ+ individuals, including those in same-sex relationships or with non-binary gender identities?
  • Are there specific measures to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals receive equitable treatment and support?

Training and Awareness

  • Are staff adequately trained to understand and respect LGBTQ+ identities and issues?
  • How will you ensure relevant ongoing education and awareness around LGBTQ+ inclusivity?

Enforcement and Accountability

  • How will compliance be monitored and enforced to protect LGBTQ+ individuals?
  • What mechanisms are in place to hold individuals accountable if the correct policy/processes are not followed?

Communication Strategies

  • How will information be communicated to ensure it is accessible and reaches LGBTQ+ individuals effectively and sensitively?
  • Are any communication materials inclusive, using language and imagery that reflect the diversity of the community?

Support Systems

  • What support systems are available for LGBTQ+ individuals who might be negatively impacted?
  • How will the University provide assistance to LGBTQ+ individuals in navigating any challenges posed by this policy?

Legal Compliance

  • Does this work comply with institutional policies, and national and international laws protecting LGBTQ+ rights?
  • Are there potential legal risks or liabilities associated with this work that could impact LGBTQ+ individuals?

  Ethical Standards

  • Does this work uphold the University's values and ethical standards regarding equality, diversity, and inclusion?
  • Are there values-based or ethical considerations that need to be addressed to prevent harm to LGBTQ+ individuals?

Mental Health Impact

  • Could this work negatively impact the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ individuals?
  • What resources are available to support the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ students and staff affected by this work?

Feedback Mechanisms

  • How can LGBTQ+ individuals provide feedback on this work?
  • Are there safe and confidential ways for LGBTQ+ individuals to share their experiences and concerns, including via trusted contacts or representatives?

Continuous Improvement

  • How will the university use feedback from LGBTQ+ individuals to improve?
  • Are there regular reviews scheduled to assess the effectiveness of this work in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion and to address any negative impacts?

LGBTQ+ Consultation

  • Have LGBTQ+ individuals and their representatives been consulted in the development or review of this work?
  • How has their feedback been incorporated into the final version?

Inclusive Participation

  • Were LGBTQ+ individuals given equal opportunity to participate in the consultation process?
  • Are there mechanisms to ensure that a diverse range of LGBTQ+ voices are heard and considered?

Inclusive Policy Design

  • Were LGBTQ+ inclusivity considerations integrated into the initial design and development of this work?
  • How does the work ensure that it meets the specific needs of LGBTQ+ individuals from the outset?

Ongoing Monitoring

  • How will the impact of this work on LGBTQ+ individuals be monitored over time?
  • What indicators or metrics will be used to assess its effectiveness, positive and negative impacts, and to identify areas for improvement?

  Intersectional Approach

  • Does the policy or process consider the intersection of LGBTQ+ identities with other protected characteristics (e.g. race, disability, religion)?
  • How are the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals with multiple marginalised identities addressed?

Diverse Representation

  • Does the work consider the diverse spectrum within the LGBTQ+ community, including but not limited to different sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions?
  • Are there specific efforts to include underrepresented groups within the LGBTQ+ community in the development and implementation?

Queering University programme resources

The Queering University programme's resource library offers further resources on a wide range of topics to support those wishing to engage with LGBTQUIA+ inclusive practices.