|
I am interested in issues of gender sexuality inclusion in the authority area. For the last year up to date, but inclusive of information and documents from work which may have begun before this period and is still being pursued by the council. (For example, a project to devise an action plan may have begun in 2020, but plans may still be used by the council now) 1) Could you please outline an projects undertaken to increase inclusion in regards to gender, sexuality, and LGBTQIA+ issues generally. For example, putting out pride flags or rainbow crossings, staging Pride march, or a drag queen story hour, school outreach work Devon County Council (DCC) raised its Rainbow Flag to mark Exeter Pride weekend on 11 May 2023 This is an annual event. This was widely reported : Rainbow flag raised at County Hall – News (devon.gov.uk). DCC would have participated in Exeter Pride, however the main event was cancelled. Through internal communications, we have promoted the use of pronouns, for example in email signatures. This is voluntary. 2) Could you please outline an policies relating to inclusion in regards to gender, sexuality, and LGBTQIA+ issues generally, and any particular guidance for staff used (perhaps from an outside body) or devised by the authority itself – and can you provide examples of this. For example, a guide to correct use of language (particularly gender-inclusive language) or targets for representation DCC Policy: Equality policy – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (devon.gov.uk) DCC Guidance: LGBT toolkit – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (devon.gov.uk) Diversity Guide – Sex and Gender – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (devon.gov.uk) Diversity Guide – Sexual Orientation – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (devon.gov.uk) 3) If possible, could you provide a cost breakdown from 2020 on spend to date on the following: Pride flags We have not spend money on any of these activities since 2020. All Pride flags were purchased prior to this date. Information regarding school events will be held by schools and Devon County Council do not hold this information. 4) For the above work to, gender, sexuality, and LGBTQIA+ issues generally, can you please provide information any grants received by the council to pursue this work, or any payments or grants made by the council to pursue this work (for example, charities with expertise in this area) September 2021 – grant to the Intercom Trust £2,000 for counselling space improvements. September 2021 – grant to Totnes Pride £600 March 2022 – grant to Proud2Be for a Changing Rooms toilet at an LGBT venue £8,000 April 2022 – grant to Teignmouth Pride £357 5) Can you also detail any outside advice of consultation offered or procured for all issues detailed above, i.e, boosting LGBTQIA+ inclusion in libraries and museums Equality Reference Group – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (devon.gov.uk)
|