Caerphilly County Borough Council has been named as the most improved local authority by leading LGBT charity, Stonewall.
Stonewall, Britain’s lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality charity, has published its Education Equality Index for the last year, and has listed CCBC at the top of its most improved ranking in recognition of the council’s work in local schools to tackle bullying and celebrate difference.
The Index measures practice and policy at all of the participating local authorities. 50 local authorities submitted entries to the 2016 Index, the most competitive to date.
The council impressed with its dedication to promoting mutual respect and equal access to services for all young people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
All schools in Caerphilly County Borough have been provided with written guidance in relation to prejudice-based bullying, and addressing and monitoring homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.
Joint work is currently underway to produce guidance for schools in relation to management of transgender issues. This includes a range of lessons which include LGBT issues across the curriculum.
The council has also developed a panel with the primary function of ensuring that key specified agencies work together in partnership to create a safe, happy environment for all young people.
Keri Cole, Chief Education Officer, Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “We have taken part in the Stonewall Education Equality Index for two years and we value the opportunity to audit our work annually and work against an action plan to continually improve our practices.
“The Index challenges us to ensure that we are moving forward with this work and making a difference to LGBT young people on a county wide level.”
Cllr Derek Havard, Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, added: “Caerphilly Council is delighted that the valuable work being undertaken has been recognised by Stonewall.”
Andrew White, Director of Stonewall Cymru, said: “Caerphilly have put an outstanding effort into their Education Equality Index submission this year, and we’re thrilled that they have been awarded Stonewall’s Most Improved Local Authority.
“We have a fantastic network of Education Champion local authorities who have all achieved some excellent work and we are very proud that one of them has received recognition across Britain.”