College receives LGBT Quality Mark

Hugh Baird College have been awarded the Navajo Charter Mark in recognition of their commitment and knowledge of the specific needs, issues and barriers facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

The Navajo Merseyside & Cheshire LGBT Charter Mark is an equality mark sponsored by In-Trust Merseyside & Sefton Embrace and supported by the LGBT Community networks across Merseyside.

As part of their journey to achieving the award, the college reviewed all current policies, procedures and practices and enhanced and increased the excellent services that were already available to support the needs of the College’s LGBT community.

In addition, a wide range of front line college staff received training on how to support the LGBT community, specifically gender reassignment. This allows staff to offer guidance and support to any students questioning their gender, experiencing or considering gender reassignment or being affected by other gender reassignment issues. As a result of this, college students created a group called Transition which provides learners with the opportunity to meet to discuss problems or concerns they may be experiencing.

Navajo award assessors were also impressed with the wide range of community groups the college is involved in, the college’s approach to tackling bullying and the informative events schedule in place at the organisation.

Hugh Baird College’s health and wellbeing co-ordinator, Janine Hopewell who led the college’s application for the award said: “The college has always been known as an inclusive and supportive organisation, but it is extremely rewarding to have the work we undertake recognised by such a prestigious award as the Navajo quality mark.

“The award demonstrates our commitment to addressing the needs of our LGBT service users and is a strong endorsement of the non-judgemental culture we have here at Hugh Baird College.

“Achieving the award has been a real cross college effort and I would like to thank all those who have been involved. But this is just the start. We plan to build on this achievement and develop the support we offer all students at the college.”