Pride Month - FOI Response Register

1. Any notes or decisions, including the rationale, with regards to changing corporate logos on social media in support of Pride Month.

NHS Shetland has supported the Pride logo on our social media platforms for Pride month each year since it was launched nationally in 2021. More information about the pride pledge can be found here – Scottish Government Guidance to Boards.

The Corporate Communications Team changes them in line with other years, and other partners and health organisations.

2. Any messages shared with staff of your Board in relation to Pride Month and the support available for LGBT+ Employees.

The following information was included in the staff bulletin prior to the event.

Shetland Pride - The Shetland Pride event will be taking place this Saturday 14 June. As part of the day, the parade muster starts at 10.30am at Market Cross with the parade itself beginning at 11am. The Health Improvement team will be in the Pride Village again. There will be numerous stalls in the Gilbertson Park Games Hall from 11am until 5pm. The Shetland Pride Committee is still looking for volunteer marshals. If you can help, you can find more information on the Facebook page here www.shetlandpride.co.uk - News and Updates and Countdown to this year’s Shetland Pride events | Shetland News

While not shared this year specifically in the bulletin, the Pride Pledge has been available for a number of years, and most staff will be aware of it.

Staff are also welcome to join the NHS Scotland Pride Pledge. The pledge re-enforces the core values of care, compassion, openness, honest, dignity & respect for everyone, irrespective of individual identities.

Colleagues can commit to the pledge and wear their NHS Scotland Pride badge to show support to all and be an ally.

NHS Shetland also featured photos of staff supporting the event on its social media accounts. With the following message: NHS Shetland is proud to support this year’s Shetland Pride once again.

3. Finally, any messages shared amongst your leadership team, HR colleagues, staff side and any applicable employee networks in relation to the recent Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a Woman. If there have been any changes in relation to policies, procedures or guidance relating to staff or patients as a result of this change, please provide a copy of the updated document as well as the document that was in place prior to the change.

The following information was shared with staff and managers in the bulletin.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) revised Code of Practice

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is developing a revised Code of Practice following the ruling of the Supreme Court, which will advise the Scottish Government on the updated interpretation of the Equality Act 2010. This will then be used to review all policies and practices across NHS Scotland. As we await guidance from EHRC and the Scottish Government, we will continue to adhere to the Equality Act 2010.

An audit of current policies, practices and facilities is being undertaken in preparation for any changes to be implemented. We will be providing general communications to all staff via staff bulletins that will include information on the Ruling, the implications of this, and the steps that will be taken.

We wish to reassure staff that NHS Shetland is committed to ensuring that all patients, staff, and visitors are treated with dignity, respect, and care, and we take our legal responsibilities seriously.

We strive to implement policies that respect the dignity and comfort of everyone while adhering to legal and ethical standards. If any staff require support or have further questions or concerns please speak to your line manager in the first instance.