Sexual Orientation Equality Scheme

View our Sexual Orientation Equality Scheme

In December 2003, the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 came into effect and provided protection for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and heterosexuals from unfair treatment and harassment in the workplace due to their sexual orientation. The Equality Act of 2006 then paved the way for the introduction of the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007. These regulations make it unlawful for organisations to discriminate directly, or indirectly, on grounds of sexual orientation in the provision of goods, facilities, services, education, disposal and management of premises and the exercise of public functions. The introduction of the Equality Act 2010 has brought together several pieces of anti-discrimination legislation and will replace the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 and Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007.

As well as our legal responsibilities, NHS National Services Scotland is determined to continue its work to become a culturally competent organisation, which respects the range of sexual orientation across the communities in Scotland. We aim to ensure that our equality and diversity policies, and practical delivery of services, recognise the needs, wishes and aspirations of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people in the community in Scotland and also recognise the importance of creating a workplace for our LGB members of staff where they can work, and prosper, in an environment free from discrimination.