How it works
The Rainbow Flag Award is a year-long process of reflection, self-assessment, ongoing monitoring and feedback.
We begin with starter training that covers everything you need to know about the Rainbow Flag Award as well as some LGBTQ+ awareness training. From here, equipped with resources and audit tools from us, you begin a process of reflection and self-assessment of the quality of LGBTQ+ inclusion in your setting in regards to six areas of your work that will be set out in your Rainbow Flag Award handbook:
All members of the organisation are confident in using LGBTQ+ inclusive language and are able to recognise and challenge transphobic, homophobic and biphobic language and behaviour.
The organisation visibly demonstrates its commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion. People recognise the organisation as being inclusive of LGBTQ+ people.
Effective policies are in place to positively support the whole organisation with LGBTQ+ inclusion, and to appropriately address transphobia, homophobia and biphobia.
The spaces of the organisation are inclusive for LGBTQ+ people. LGBTQ+ people are positively welcomed and represented across the organisation.
The organisation is effective in supporting its LGBTQ+ individuals and others in their lives.
Following your starter training, we will collaborate to build and agree on an action plan that will support you in meeting the above sections. The action plan will be made up of a series on indicators that must be met to demonstrate the work in the six sections is LGBTQ+ inclusive.
Following this, over the year you are invited to share the fantastic LGBTQ+ inclusive work you are doing to evidence the indicators are being met. At three points during the year, a member of the Rainbow Flag Award team will review your work and provide feedback on your progress.
As you work towards your Rainbow Flag Award you will receive ongoing support via phone and email, with online ‘in-person’ meets.
Once you have gained your Rainbow Flag Award, it is valid for a further two years (at no extra cost), with options for renewal available to you at the end of the three-year cycle.