Sexual Orientation

The assumption that everyone is heterosexual can make the workplace uncomfortable and intimidating. Homophobia can show ignorance and prejudice and can lead to bullying Since December 2003 the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 made it unlawful to discriminate against anyone, in relation to employment or training, on the grounds of their sexual orientation.

Sexual Orientation is defined as:

Orientation towards the same sex (lesbian women and gay men)
Orientation towards the opposite sex (heterosexual)
Orientation towards the same and the opposite sex (bisexual)

The Regulations makes it unlawful to discriminate a person on the grounds of their sexual orientation whether it is:

Direct discrimination
Indirect discrimination
Harassment (including the perception of the victim)
Victimisation
Discrimination or victimisation, even when the work relationship has ended.

This link provides information on legislation that exists to protect employees from suffering discrimination on the grounds of their sexuality and Gloucester City Homes Sexual Orientation equality scheme.

Together with Gloucester City Homes commitment as a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme and Workplace Equality Index

In 2009 Gloucester City Homes became a Stonewall Diversity Champion. This is the definitive national benchmarking exercise showing Britain's top employers for gay staff.

The Workplace Equality Index is seen as a key measure of an organisation's commitment to diversity generally and the feedback and subsequent action planning will help to identify improvements that will benefit all the strands of equality. We will shortly be submitting our first ever entry into the index.

For more information please email

anita.pope@gloscityhomes.co.uk| or view the links below.