Legislation was introduced in 2006 to help prevent people being discriminated against in the workplace because of their sexual orientation and also to give same-sex couples the right to Civil Partnership.

The Equality Act 2010 replaced the previous legislation on 1 October 2010. The changes include new provisions on direct discrimination and indirect discrimination, arising from sexual orientation.  This also covers harassment and victimisation: employees can now complain of behaviour they find offensive, or if someone is treated badly because they have made/supported a complaint or grievance under the Act.

Essex County Council has an active Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Network Group for employees, providing support and enabling employees to tap into information and advice about LGBT issues. The group meets regularly, usually at County Hall, and membership of the network is tiered to ensure that the confidentiality of individual members is respected.    

The Council is also building connections with existing and potential Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender service users and residents to understand how to ensure that our services are accessible and leaving customers feeling that they have been treated with respect.