Public and Commercial Services Union

As February is LGBT History month it is appropriate we issue news from the DWP LGBT Committee.

Branches and regional committees will hopefully find the information useful and will follow up the suggestion to invite speakers from the committee

Out In Leeds

On an autumnal day 24 members from as far north as Bonnie Scotland to the south coast of England, converged into Leeds. The reason for this was to attend the DWP Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Seminar being held on the 17 & 18 October 2009. The theme for this year’s seminar was “Relationships.”

There were numerous workshops that the delegates enjoyed. The workshop on the union overview gave the delegates an awareness of the structures within and how the most important part of the union is the member. Stephen said after the workshop that “I would like to become more involved within the union.”

On the second day Jane Aitchison addressed the delegates. Jane gave a comprehensive talk as to how she became involved with the union and how she became the President of the DWP group. She did say “unity is strength” and that there is “always room for more reps.”

One of the most enjoyable workshops was “Coming Out”. This workshop highlighted that there are advantages and disadvantages of coming out. Some advantages are that you can be yourself, empowering future for others and a relief that is less pressure on the individual. Some disadvantages are invasion of privacy, stereotyping and can open the way for abuse or harassment. David said that “the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.”

Everyone left the seminar with a spring in their step knowing that within PCS there are structures in order to help any LGBT member with any issues that they may face.

World Aids Day December 1st

The symbol for which is the red ribbon.

The red ribbons are generally worn to express support for all people who are affected by HIV or Aids and to signify care, concern and support. They can and are worn by people of any sexuality. In fact the concept of (different) coloured ribbons has now been adopted by other organisations to champion their cause.

In conjunction with The National Aids Trust (Nat), the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans (LGBT) Committee and the LGBT Network distributed Red Ribbons around offices. This was to help raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and to raise money to support the work NAT do throughout the year.

Several offices participated and raised £50 - £100 each. Well done to all who organised and those who donated!

More information is available at the websites for The National Aids Trust (NAT) and Terence Higgins Trust (THT).

"Getting it Right" Or have they?

The DWP spent a considerable amount of money commissioning and producing the video/DVD "Getting it Right". The department's aim was to remind staff that we must comply with the law and the department's policy whatever our views. The issues in the film apply equally to all areas of Equality/Diversity but specifically focus on Sexual Orientation and Civil Partnership.

When the film was launched in 2005 we were informed the intention was it would be seen by all DWP staff. Unfortunately no formal mechanisms were put in place to confirm viewing, reaction or ongoing training needs identified. Managers were expected to show the film with only written guidance and therefore in some places it has still not been shown.

PCS in DWP has been proactive in getting the film shown and it has been well and critically received when shown at PCS only events! The DWP Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans (LGBT) Committee have done some work with management in getting the film shown but again piecemeal. We also have anecdotal evidence that suggests many local reps have not been given the opportunity to see the film either.

With the support of the GEC the LGBT Committee have agreed a brief to be delivered by them at a showing of the film to TU reps. Regions are to be asked to invite a speaker from the LGBT Committee to attend branch and or regional meetings to show the film and discuss any issues raised.

Contact The Group Equality Officer to arrange a presentation.

LGBT Advisory Committee Members

Nick Bailey – nick.bailey@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk
Jan Baxter – jan.baxter@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk
Chris Carroll – christopher.carroll1@thepensionservice.gsi.gov.uk
Ian Crossland – ian.crossland@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk
Brian Fallon – brian.fallon1@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk
Stephen Finch – stephen.finch@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk
Dean Fisher – dean.fisher@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk
Jimmy Gill – jimmy.gill@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk
David McNeilly – david.mcneilly@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk
Mel Sinclair – mel.sinclair@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk