Today the NELFT LGBT+ Staff Network will launch our first LGBT+ Strategy 'Improving the lives of staff and patients irrespective of gender identity or sexual orientation'.

Our strategy sets out our five year plan, vision and ambitions to ensure that NELFT is a truly inclusive employer and healthcare provider. We have a fantastic line up of presenters for the virtual launch, with our key note speech from Hannah and Jake Graf who are the history making duo, redefining the modern perception of relationships. Both Jake and Hannah identify as transgender, but that hasn’t stopped them pursuing their dreams of becoming an award winning director and actor, and decorated British Army Officer, respectively.

In 2019 we launched our NELFT LGBT+ Allies Scheme, a new initiative within the organisation at the time which was designed to support our workforce and our patients, in turn leading to positive patient outcomes.

The NELFT LGBT+ Allies scheme, which came 18 months after the launch of our hugely successful 'Rainbow Lanyard Scheme' was focused around providing colleagues and patients with the best experience by creating a network of 'allies', staff members across NELFT who pledge to support their LGBT+ colleagues, as well as patients who  and listen to issues they may be facing.

Equality, diversity and inclusivity are at the heart of how we demonstrate compassionate leadership here at NELFT. Our LGBT+ strategy continues the work that has already been done and is focused on improving the lives of staff and patients irrespective of gender identity or sexual orientation and sets out our vision across the organisation.

This strategy was coproduced and reflects the views of our colleagues and patients in respect of how we ensure we are delivering the best possible care for patients and the best possible working environment for our colleagues.

Read our strategy here.