Minutes: October 2007

1.

Present: MC-W, RC-W, ML, RH, KO, KW, HT, CR, CS, GW, LG, HO, JW, PG, SN, TH, RB, Robin Stannard, Ann Parker-Griffiths - Wilts Police, Kati Wood, Kathleen Daley - SBC

Apologies: DB, SH, Doreen Dart

Paul welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2.

Pride Update

Steve and Chris co-chair the organising committee for the Swindon Pride. Phil - Health & Safety, James - Entertainment, Robin - Policing and Kati - fund raising and Link Worker for Coalition.

Steve said Pride would take place on 16 August 2008 at the Town Gardens. He gave an update on what had happened so far.

James detailed the entertainment booked and what they were still hoping to arrange.

Chris gave details of the Pride Idol heats. The Grand Final was taking place in January and the winner would be the opening act on the main stage.

Steve asked anyone interested in supporting the event to leave their name on the website and he would get back to them.

MC said Gay Men's Health were unaware what was happening and wanted to be involved. They would advertise the Pride on their website.

Paul said he would make sure they were part of the event.

Jo from 'Out of the Can' asked if there would be an information area? She was advised there would be and information would be sent out nearer the date. Paul advised that they hoped to publish a site plan of the area next week.

Tony Hillier, Swindon's Community Poet had been in initial discussions with the Steering Group about producing a book of poetry.

Steve thanked everyone for giving their time for Swindon Pride and said their suggestions and input was greatly appreciated.

3.

Hate Crime Report - Robin Stannard

A copy of the report was circulated with the minutes. Robin said figures were slightly up compared to last year but so were detection figures.

Mark said he had met with Inspector Glenn about how they can strengthen and co-ordinate reporting of all hate crime. They get large numbers that don't reflect the numbers reported to the Police. They need their details to be given to both perpetrator and victim. From their point of view numbers are increasing and this is not represented in Police statistics.

Robin said there were many reasons why people would report to an organisation such as Gay Men's Health rather than the police and they needed to get joined up again.

4.

LGBT Youth Welfare - Feedback from Pride Youth

Paul had asked Pride Youth to look at the House of Commons Report on bullying. Martin said they had made a start and had made an application for funding to pay extra staff to look through it. Timescale for the work to be done would depend on getting funding.

5.

Minutes of Last Meeting and Matters Arising:

Mark said he had been asked to report back to the Coalition on the GPI meeting, however this meeting has been postponed until to December. Mark to bring to next Coalition meeting.

6.

EAF Meeting Feedback and Issues to be raised at EAF Interim Meeting:

Helen said the last meeting was mainly about the Single Equalities Act that will affect everyone.

There were not issues raised to take to the next EAF.

7.

LGBT Representation on Children & Young People's Partnership Board

• Rod said none of the Coalitions were represented on that Board.
• Jo said she would like information about what they were trying to achieve.
• Bob said when the Council make a Policy it is with everyone in mind, trying to treat everyone equally but it was very difficult to do that. That body lacks the voice for any group to come forward and put across their opinions. He said it was not just a represent from this Coalition but someone from Youth also would be very helpful.
• Paul said would take to Equalities Advisory Forum, as we need to be represented on that Board.

8.

Swindon & New College's Gender Equality Policy

Paperwork on this not available.

9.

Any Other Business

9.1

James gave information received from various organisations about numbers of gay people in Swindon. He said if any other groups had this type of information it would be very helpful to receive details.

9.2

Staff Survey - why did it not ask about employee harassment and bullying on the grounds of sexual orientation?

Action: Issue Sheet to be raised:

Rod asked if a similar question was asked in relation to Race. It was.

Bob said about a year ago the EAF asked Nick Stephenson to produce a 'ready reckoner' so no groups would be left out, could look it out.

9.3

Paul thanked everyone for attending and said if anyone would like to join the Coalition they would be very welcome.

9.4

SBC Equalities Conference 29 November. If anyone was interested application forms were available.

10.

Dates of future meetings:

Wed 12 Dec, CR2: 6-8pm
 
2008
Wed 13 Feb, CR2: 6-8pm
Wed 9 Apr, CR2: 6-8pm