In January 2012 HPFT found out that it had made it into the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index for the third year running. This further shows the commitment that HPFT has to ensuring lesbian, gay and bisexual staff feel supported in the workplace.Sometimes staff don't see why we give out specific messages for LGB staff, BME staff, staff with disabilities etc. It's simple, we know that when staff are able to feel comfortable being themselves at work and feeling accepted by their colleagues it makes them more productive and content in the workplace.If you have an interest in getting involved with developing strategies for supporting LGB people both through employment and service provision, why not get involved with the LGBT & Straight Allies staff network. All you need is a willingness to help the Trust develop and be part of positive discussions. Click here to find out more or contact james.holland@hertspartsft.nhs.ukOn 17th May the Trust is holding a conference for staff called 'Out in the Trust' to observe International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). The conference is focused on practice around support peoples sexual orientation in care and is a must for all front line staff. Apply online at http://www.hertspartsft.nhs.uk/about-us/equality-and-diversity/outinthetrust/16say what type of relationship you're in (if at all). The general assumption of most people is that people are straight, so if that assumption is being made, and accepted that it's fine for a man and a woman to be together, I don't see the difference in someone knowing that you're in a relationship with someone of the same sex. It doesn't have to go into great detail, there would have to be professional boundaries as with anything. I do think in some cases it could even help service users who are struggling with their sexuality to identify with a diverse staff team.What advice would you give to staff members who would like to be out at work but are not sure about how people will react?Personally I would say go for it! It feels a lot less uncomfortable than covering things up all the time. And it enables you to share your life with other people and what you may be going through. If anything negative does happen in the way people react, there are so many ports of call to go to ensure it's dealt with properly and reach out for help, but on the whole I think people can be surprised by how positive the experience is.I would say that there is a lot of support in HPFT for being out at work. I think the sort of things that make a difference are visibility of people in advertising to raise awareness. Also the LGBT staff network is a place that people can access for support. Just generally showing that LGB people belong in the workplace just as much as anybody else.Working Together as OneSPRING2012

Sometimes even the most open and resilient staff will need additional support to cope with the difficult or distressing situations in either their daily work or in their personal life. There are many types of help and support available for you. Your Manager Your Manager will be pleased to talk about a situation that is worrying you. Or if you feel unable to go to your own line manager, any manager or more senior colleague will be pleased to listen and offer advice. Professional support All professions within HPFT have arrangements in place for professional support and clinical supervision. The Trust's supervision policy, which can be accessed on TrustSpace, explains the supervision that staff should expect to receive. If you have concerns regarding your supervision and support arrangements you can contact your professional lead for advice. The Human Resources DepartmentEach currrent business stream/service has a designated HR team who are available to talk with individuals on a confidential basis and offer guidance and support and direct staff to any other appropropriate sources of support. The HR contacts are as follows: Acute and Rehabilitation Services Lauren Bennifer 01727 804768 for staffsupportLD and Specialist ServicesMarie Robinson 01727 804475 LD (North Essex and Norfolk) Karen Nichollson 01206 363260 Community ServicesCathy Dhillon 01727 804243 Corporate Services Natasha Elvidge 01727 804922Medical Staffing team 01923 427461This information will be updated once the new Strategic business units are in place. Professional organisations or Unions All unions and professional organisations have arrangements in place to offer advice and guidance to members on a wide range of work related issues. Unison Branch chair: Peter.cargill@hertspartsft.nhs.uk Unison Branch Secretary: Neil.sheehan@hertspartsft.nhs.uk 17Working Together as OneSPRING2012