LGBT+ in the workplace
Good employers want to create a safe, supportive and inclusive working environment where LGBT+ employees want to work and will feel confident that they can develop a successful career. According to Stonewall:
"Many LGBT people don’t feel able to be open about their sexual orientation at work for fear of discrimination, bullying or harassment. Research has shown…that staff who can be open about their sexual orientation are more likely to enjoy going to work, feel able to be themselves, form honest relationships with colleagues, are more confident and, ultimately, more productive."
Staff training is essential to help develop the right culture in the workplace. We have therefore created the LGBT+ Game to help frontline staff improve their awareness of LGBT+ issues. The game challenges misconceptions about LGBT+ issues and helps to create a positive and inclusive culture.
"I’ve played the new LGBT+ Game with health and social care apprentices as a new platform for learning. It is a great conversation starter and tool to encourage critical thinking, resulting in a greater awareness of how to provide care to LGBT+ clients. Learners were totally engaged; it is active learning at its finest making learning memorable and fun! Just what’s needed to raise awareness, I highly recommend it."
Tracey Bedford – Curriculum Lead Health and Social Care, GB Training UK Ltd
What does the LGBT+ Game do?
The game is designed to encourage a series of relaxed but structured discussions between small groups of players. It offers a broad introduction to LGBT+ issues for frontline staff and students in any organisation. It creates a ‘safe space’ to discuss sensitive and sometimes emotive issues. The game introduces useful LGBT+ related information and allows players to familiarise themselves with LGBT+ terminology giving them the confidence to discuss LGBT+ issues more easily.
How does the game work?
The LGBT+ Game is a board game designed to be used by frontline teams, supported or unsupported in the workplace. It offers a ‘safe space’ for staff to explore a range of LGBT+ issues and helps them develop their understanding and confidence. The game encourages players to discuss LGBT+ issues and to explore the barriers faced by LGBT+ colleagues.
As an employer all you need for an effective LGBT+ workshop is:
- 1 table
- 2-12 people
- 30-60 minutes
The game doesn’t require any external support so teams can manage the game themselves, in the workplace. The game can be reused as often as desired for formal and informal training. This removes many of barriers and costs associated with more traditional classroom training making group sessions easier and cheaper. And it’s fun.
What's in the box?
A BETTER WAY TO LEARN
Games make face-to-face training more engaging and effective.
Games encourage people to talk and learn from each other.
Games can be used anywhere, by anyone with no external support.
Games = a workshop in a box.
Who created the game?
The game was developed by Focus Games Ltd in partnership with, Tommy Silvester.
Focus Games Ltd is a leading developer of educational games that help raise awareness of specific issues and change behaviour. Since 2004 they have developed over 60 different games that address specific issues and many of them are focussed on health and social care. The NHS is their biggest partner for developing and using games.
Tommy Silvester is a Health and Social Care Tutor and is a director of Awarding Care Ltd. Tommy is also a qualified counsellor and holds a teaching qualification. Tommy offers counselling services as a volunteer with the Wolverhampton LGBT+ Alliance.