Description of impact
This learning framework for working with LGBTQ+ people in later life aims to provide a base for identifying the insights, knowledge, understanding and skills that the social care workforce need to help them work affirmatively, inclusively and effectively with individuals from gender and sexually diverse communities. This project was funded by Skills for Care and was developed by Dr Trish Hafford-Letchfield (University of Strathclyde) in collaboration with the LGBT Foundation.Who is affected
This is a Westminster debate on the regulatory requirements for all providers of adult social care who carry out “regulated activities”, including running a care home or providing personal care. They are required to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and demonstrate they meet fundamental standards set out in regulations. This includes requirements to provide person-centred care and to always treat people with dignity and respect. The debate builds on the 2019 report on health and social care and LGBT communities (PDF), published by the Women and Equalities Committee, which said, that most social care professionals “feel under-equipped to deal with LGBT people’s needs rather than intentionally discriminating.” The report also recommended that:Those responsible for the training of social care professionals “should treat training on LGBT needs with the same integral importance as other basic training.”
The CQC should conduct a thematic review of social care services for LGBT people which should include examples of best practice and guidance to social care providers around how to create LGBT-inclusive services.
Narrative
The framework is a key tool for guiding and supporting education and training of the social care workforce and service development to provide affirmative social care for LGBTQ+ older people. This framework draws on a range of research both the authors and internationally and nationally. The framework has been named as a key document to inform the development and progress of social care for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families and is being linked to the national framework used to regulate and inspect care services.| Impact status | Open |
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| Impact date | 12 Sept 2023 |
| Impact level | Engagement |