Measures to promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity in care homes are to be discussed by Brighton & Hove council this week.

Councillors will discuss the plans to require care providers to sign up to Skills for care LGBTQ+ Learning Framework at the Adult Social Care and Health Sub-committee meeting on 17 January.

Councillor Tristram Burden, chair of the Adult Social Care and Health Sub-committee, said: “We’ve been working with the CIRCLE project to ensure our care homes are inclusive spaces where our older LGBTQ+ community don’t feel they need to go back in the closet when receiving care.

“The CIRCLE project aims to support residential care providers (for older people, 50+) to be more inclusive for LGBTQ+ residents. 

“Our commitment will ensure a truly inclusive approach to care for all and allow us to fully consider the needs and preferences of all people using our care services.”

The framework, which is aimed at social care employers, employees, training providers, commissioners, policy makers and others, will support social care services and organisations to:

• Include LGBTQ+ issues in the education and training of the workforce
• Include LGBTQ+ issues in the everyday care and support of people in later life
• Guide the aims and focus of LGBTQ+ education and training based on evidence
• Conduct a training needs analysis and design training which meets a minimum standard of performance and capability in its assessment and provision of care to LGBTQ+ individuals in later life and their communities
• Embed the relevant topics, areas, guidance and learning resources into its recruitment, induction, supervision, appraisal, and career progression processes.