Annual Report 2005/06

Since the last AGM the LGBT Coalition have met ten times and have had a variety of speakers and presentations including:

• Gary Jefferson who gave a presentation on the ‘Outing Drugs’ report published by Gay Men’s Health in April 2005. The report had been funded by the Department of Health and was managed and supported by The Centre for Ethnicity and Health at the University of Central Lancashire. Gay Men’s Health carried out an assessment amongst Wiltshire and Swindon’s gay and bisexual men to explore the nature of the community’s drug and alcohol use, its impact on sexual health and the local support services available.
• Karen Knapton, Superintendent Registrar who came to speak about the Civil Partnership Act 2004 that came into force on 5 December 2005. Civil partnerships were a new legal relationship that could be registered by two people of the same sex and gave the couple legal recognition for their relationship. The partnership was formed once the couple signed the Schedule in front of a Civil Partnership Registrar and two witnesses. Civil partnerships would have to be dissolved in court.
• Chris Dickson, Training Programme Designer for the Wiltshire Constabulary. He spoke about how training of police officers would take place locally on the streets and in the local community. It was hoped this would achieve trained Wiltshire Police Officers for policing Wiltshire. Organisations within Wiltshire would host police officers for 2-day placements to allow them to learn more about their own communities.
• Nick Stephenson, Change Manager for Equality & Diversity explained his role which was 1) to make sure the Council sits on the right side of legal legislation and, 2) to make sure all Council processes on employment practice and service delivery are mainstreamed in Equalities as far as possible.
• Bob Basley, Secondary Strategy Consultant, attended two meetings during this period. On the first occasion he came to give information about the training teachers received to challenge homophobic bullying, the support given to young people ‘coming out’ and also what support was available for teachers suffering homophobic bullying. On the second occasion Bob advised the Coalition on how Teaching Sexuality in Swindon Schools was being done and gave an update on how homophobic bullying was dealt with.

The Coalition, during this time were also consulted by various Swindon Borough Council Officers:

• Gillian Morris and Anne Fisher attended a meeting to consult on the new Grants Criteria. One key change was to move from 1 year to 3 year funding.
• Matthew Pearce asked the Coalition to give their input into the Equalities Statement for the Swindon Local Area Agreement. The Council, Police, Primary Care Trust, local hospital, Ambulance and Fire Services would hopefully all sign up to the Equalities Statement. This would provide an opportunity for closer partnership working.
• The Coalition were given an opportunity to comment on what approach Swindon Borough Council should take to achieve Promise 6 – the Equalities Promise. They felt diversity should be the golden thread that binds the public, staff and Council together. It’s about what you do with everyone you deal with.
• Rosanna Browning, Director of Communication gave a presentation on Aspire and the Council’s vision for Customer Services. She spoke about what a ‘One Stop Shop’ and ‘Contact Centre’ were and how they fitted into the Council’s 50 Promises. She asked the Coalition for their ideas about telephone numbers, opening hours etc.
• Rita Glen-Gallo attended a meeting to talk about Children Services Equalities Action Plan and ask for feedback. She explained that the Education Department had amalgamated with the Children’s elements of Social Services. The Coalition felt something was needed about promoting LGBT Lifestyle so young people knew there was an option for them.
• Adrian Robinson spoke about the monitoring process – Best Value Performance Indicators – these are driven by what they are required to do by the Government. He wanted feedback from the Coalition on how they should handle things like belief and sexuality and whether people were comfortable about giving this information.

The LGBT Coalition have also:

• Received regular updates on Hate Crime figures from Robin Stannard, Wiltshire Police.
• Been asked to take part in a research project ‘Comparing Domestic Violence in same Sex and Hetrosexual Relationships’. Project results will be printed next Spring and the Coalition will be kept informed.
• Been selected by the Audit Commission as a stakeholder.
• Been invited to take part in joint meetings to look at Directorate Equalities Action Plans.
• Taken part in joint training sessions for all Coalitions members.

Membership

This has fluctuated during this time but there has been a small core attendance of regular members. Minutes and information are circulated to approximately twenty individuals and organisations. It is hoped to run a recruitment drive in the New Year.

Membership of the Swindon LGBT Coalition is open to:

• Representatives of LGBT communities and organisations, or individuals, who live or work in the Borough of Swindon.
• 2 Officers of Swindon Borough Council who will attend in an advisory capacity. Link Worker and Admin Support.

Meetings have been held by-monthly on the second Wednesday evening of the month at the Civic Offices. Light refreshments are provided.