Here at Lincolnshire ICB, we want to showcase our core values by giving staff the opportunity to show their support for an open, non-judgemental and inclusive organisation for our LGBTQ+ staff and for the people we serve in Lincolnshire.

Our core values are

• Everyone counts - Making sure everyone is included
• Respect and dignity - We value every person
• Compassion - Responding with humanity and kindness
• Improving lives - Improving people’s health & wellbeing

By choosing to wear the NHS Rainbow Lanyard, you’re sending a message that people can approach and talk to you. You aren’t expected to have the answers to all their issues and concerns, but you’re there to listen and will know how to signpost to the available support.

LGBTQ+ people can face inequalities and barriers to accessing healthcare and services; research has shown that negative attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people are still common within the NHS. A recent Stonewall survey estimates that one in five LGBTQ+ people are not out to any healthcare professional about their sexual orientation when seeking general medical care, and one in seven LGBTQ+ people have avoided treatment for fear of discrimination.

Having simple visible symbols - such as these rainbow lanyards - can make a big difference for those unsure of both themselves and of the reception they will receive if they disclose their sexuality and/or gender identity.

The NHS Rainbow Lanyard initiative isn’t just about wearing a lanyard, it’s about proactively promoting inclusion within NHS Lincolnshire ICB and throughout our work.

Simply download the pledge here and once you have read and signed it simply send to Tony Crowden on t.crowden@nhs.net together with your request for a lanyard.

Instructions:

• Double-click on the PDF file ‘ICB Rainbow Lanyard’. This will open the file in Acrobat.
• When the file opens in Acrobat, click on the text ‘Click and add your name here’ in the box at the bottom of the design. A blue dotted line box will appear around this text, which means you can now edit it.
• Replace this text with your name.
• Once you’re typed in your name, click anywhere on the design outside of the editable text box to close it – the blue dotted line box will disappear.
• Now simply save the PDF and rename it ‘ICB Rainbow Lanyard_your name’ (i.e., ICB Rainbow Lanyard_Angela Chambers).

Once the request has been received it will be processed and a lanyard will be sent to the applicant either through collecting in person at Bridge House or via the post.

Each month we will add the number of applicants and place this figure on the ICB Staff Facebook Page – you can also upload a pic if you wanted. 

In addition we are looking to support national LGBTQ+ events including Pride and LGBTQ+ History Month

What to do if an LGBTQ+ person approaches/discloses to you:

The lanyards aren’t designed as a symbol intended to prompt disclosures, but they may prompt someone to disclose information about their own sexuality or gender identity, perhaps for the first time. Wearing the badge doesn’t mean you’ll have all the answers but you should be prepared to listen and signpost them to relevant information. You may be the first person an LGBTQ+ person has felt confident enough to share their feelings. For them, it may be one of the most important moments of their life and how you respond to it is something they will remember.

Where to signpost people for support:

• Lincolnshire ICB have an EAP which you can contact for support. Call visit and enter for both the access code and password.
• Lead is the LICB Speak Up guardian and can be contacted confidentially
• The charity Stonewall have excellent resources to support LGBTQ+ people, including web pages for people who are coming out for the first time
• Lincolnshire HUB or signposting of groups
• Gendered Intelligence is a not-for-profit community interest company aiming to increase understanding of gender diversity