Study title

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

This is a qualitative data collection.

This research comprised a study of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equalities work amongst local authorities which was conducted between March 2008 and September 2009. The field of LGBT equalities work at that time was undergoing a period of rapid change, following the abolishment of Section 28 and fuelled by the introduction of a range of new legislation as well as on-going local government modernisation. This project builds on existing research by exploring the impact of the changing policy environment on LGBT equalities initiatives amongst local authorities and their partner agencies. The research used and developed innovative qualitative Action Learning Set methodologies and interviews with local and national stakeholders.

The aims of the project were: to examine the impact of recent policy changes on the field of LGBT equalities work in local government; to address key conceptual issues concerning [i] processes of resistance and compliance [ii] organisational cultural change [iii] debates concerning citizenship and democracy; to explore the issues affecting LGBT equalities initiatives through case studies in Northern Ireland, Wales and England; to explore the use of innovative Participatory Action Research methods.

Further information about the project and links to publications are available on the ESRC Organisational Change, Resistance and Democracy: Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Equalities Initiatives award webpage.


Main Topics:

Topics covered: Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equalities in local government; changes in policy; cultures; organisational structure; community involvement.