West Lothian College achieves Silver LGBT charter status

West Lothian College has achieved silver level in the LGBT Charter.

The LGBT Charter is a programme that enables organisations to proactively include LGBT people in every aspect of their work, protecting staff and providing a high quality, inclusive service to customers, students and other service users.

The following activities formed an integral part of our LGBT submission: 

  • Holding LGBT workshops for college staff
  • The college was lit of up in Pride colours during LGBT History Month 
  • A series of training videos were made available on the college Moodle platform 
  • The pride flag was flown in the college courtyard 
  • Rainbow lanyards were rolled out to all staff
  • The Student Association developed an LGBT student group

The programme was developed to raise awareness and encourage engagement in training.   Policies, practices and resources were reviewed to make sure that we are meeting our legislative duties but are also as inclusive an organisation as possible. 

While most organisations are initially awarded bronze level, West Lothian College achieved silver status at first attempt which is a testament to the hard work carried out across the college, and in particular the input we had from our Student Association, to ensure that West Lothian College is welcoming and inclusive to all.

The college is also hosting the annual West Lothian Pride celebrations on 27 July. This is a celebration of the LGBTI community and is open to everyone from 10am on the Saturday, with stalls from local employers, a march along the Boulevard followed by music acts in the college campus.

Jenny Stalker: Head of Quality & Learner Services at West Lothian College said:

“This is a fantastic achievement for all involved.  Being awarded the silver LGBT Charter enables us to send a positive message, with confidence, that West Lothian College is a champion of LGBT inclusion and has a culture and environment where LGBT employees, customers, and service users will be safe, supported and included.”