The Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) is launching an innovative new training resource to help further education and skills providers develop practical approaches to delivering sexual orientation equality. This resource – Visible and Valued – is the first ever sector specific staff guide on sexual orientation equality, and it will be unveiled at an event in London on November 21. It has been produced to fill a gap that was identified by sector leaders.

Wally Brown CBE, a member of the LSIS board and former principal of Liverpool Community College, will officially launch the new resource with a keynote speech at the November event, being held at the UCU Conference Centre.

Designed to be used as part of an organisation-wide training programme, Visible and Valued demonstrates how homophobia affects the lives of staff and learners and explains how to ensure compliance with the law. The resource contains an insightful DVD of extensive documentary interviews with lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) learners and staff revealing the issues faced, such as high levels of serious bullying and harassment.

The launch event will provide valuable information and understanding for a range of professionals in the further education sector – from principals and governors, to HR staff, and equality and diversity managers to curriculum and student services managers and staff. As well as Wally Brown’s speech, the programme on the day will include workshops on topics such as ‘Making the curriculum LGB friendly and supporting LGB groups for staff and students’. All those who attend will also receive a free copy of the DVD, and you can book online by visiting www.centreforexcellence.org.uk/visible08.

Visible and Valued was produced in response to the strong need identified by college principals in a 2006 research report, , which identified high levels of homophobia in the sector and called for the creation of high quality, sector-specific training materials to challenge it.

Margaret Adjaye, LSIS equality and diversity manager, said, "This event is being held to showcase the successful strategies developed to challenge and reduce  homophobic bullying and harassment in the further education sector. We will also be supporting providers by offering a four day programme starting next month for individuals and organisations who want to develop leadership skills and expertise in making sexual orientation equality integral to organisational culture, policy and practice.

“Visible and Valued is a DVD resource that gives a platform to the voices and experiences of lesbian, gay and bisexual learners and staff. It includes extensive notes and other resources, to help users work towards creating a truly inclusive, excellent and equality friendly organisation. This resource is the first of its kind in the FE and skills sector, and we would like to thank DIUS, LLUK, the LSC, UCU and the former QIA for their support and for helping to fund this important project."

The DVD is accompanied by a CD of extensive trainer’s notes and handouts/exercises. This will ensure that providers have a complete and extensive resource to help them drive sexual equality in the sector. To view an excerpt of this resource, visit: www.centreforexcellence.org.uk/video/VisibleAndValued/video_1.html