LGBT Youth Scotland presented Forth Valley College with a Charter of Rights at Foundations Level award at a special meeting of the local LGBT Group recently.

Principal Dr Ken Thomson was at the Falkirk Campus Main Hall on the evening of Thursday 20 February to be presented with the award along with the team of college staff – Associate Principal Andrew Lawson, Diversity Co-ordinator Caroline Storey, Equalities Manager Mhairi Shillinglaw and Access and Progression lecturer Ruth Davis – who championed LGBT awareness.

The college have been working hard to meet the criteria over the past few years with various levels of diversity training being carried out, organisation of events, production of promotional materials and message communication, in order to achieve the Chartermark.

News of the award coincided with LGBT History in February which saw events held in the college.

Principal Dr Ken Thomson said: “It is important to make a difference and the message that goes out after receiving this Chartermark is that we are making a difference at Forth Valley College.” LGBT Youth Scotland, Lothian and Borders Team Leader, Ann Marriott, said: “LGBT Youth Scotland recognises and celebrates the time and commitment involved in an agency working toward the Charter.

“It takes a dedicated staff team to provide the commitment which ensures that this work is, and remains an active and meaningful process. We particularly thank and recognise the work and dedication of senior management, Caroline Storey, Mhairi Shillinglaw, Ruth Davis and the wider Champion Group.

“This has been a long journey and it is a pleasure to mark the success of Forth Valley College. In achieving the Foundations LGBT Charter Mark Forth Valley College have demonstrated to students, communities, staff and external stakeholders that they have taken LGBT equality seriously, and have made significant progress in ensuring that discrimination will be challenged and diversity will be welcomed.

“I look forward to our continued working relationship and once again congratulate you on your significant achievement.”