What is it?

The Rainbow Mark is an equality mark sponsored by the Welsh Government and supported by the Welsh Local Government Association and Tai Pawb – a signifier of good practice, commitment and knowledge of the specific needs, issues and barriers facing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Wales. In order to gain a Rainbow Mark, the LGBT Excellence Centre will provide a clear assessment criteria to work from and on-going guidance and advice to help collect evidence and develop good practice, including support services (where required) with rewording forms, policies and procedures.

The Rainbow Mark campaigns to make businesses and organizations friendly to, and accepting of LGBT people. It highlights their needs and demonstrates a commitment to combating prejudice and discrimination.  It offers a programme relevant to the specific needs of businesses and organizations and rewards actions that achieve greater equality and human rights for LGBT people.  It is flexible and adaptable to any organization or business.

The mark is a symbol that shows an understanding of LGBT needs and gives assurance to staff, customers and service users that the organization or business is driven by social and equality objectives and is operating to benefit LGBT people and the wider community.  It does this by showing that the organization understands the issues around both sexual orientation and gender identity.  Furthermore, it is inexpensive and offers ongoing support and advice for businesses and organizations around these potentially difficult issues.

Benefits

Businesses with the Rainbow Mark can attract more customers, which in turn will increase profits.  LGBT people are reassured that they will be treated fairly and without prejudice which instills in them confidence to approach a business.  LGBT people do not want to enquire as to whether they will be welcomed, and the mark helps this to happen.  Recommendations among the LGBT community will increase, and loyalty is improved.   The Rainbow Mark also provides a link with the LGBT community and a business can network regarding LGBT issues.  The Rainbow Mark comes with advice and guidance that a business can access if there are disputes or problems, and to enable a business on ensuring fairness for all staff and customers.

The public and voluntary sector also has a legislative duty to ensure equality for all service provision.  Many of the benefits to the public and voluntary sector are the same as those for business, but organizations can also communicate directly with the LGBT community through the Rainbow Mark for any consultations they hold.  This can all help to improve the public perception of the service and will contribute to the achievement of equality and human rights. 

What will your organisation gain from achieving the Rainbow Mark?

• A certificate for display (available in English and Welsh)
• A logo for use on stationary and marketing materials.
• Free full page advertising in our quarterly newsletter
• Priority stalls at our events such as LGBT history month and the LGBT International Human Rights Conference.
• A Rainbow Mark flyer and a helpline number for display.
• A dedicated space on the LGBT Excellence Centre’s website. The website that includes your space contains:
  •  A register of accredited organizations which can be used by to verify the equality credentials of your organization.
  • The chance to network and share knowledge and experiences.
  • The opportunity to advertise your organization, its achievement of the Rainbow Mark and your products, services and initiatives.
• Opportunities to purchase further stickers, posters, information and guidance leaflets.
• Opportunities to purchase discounted mediation and consultation on LGBT issues.
• Access to further discounts on training and seminars.

How much will the Rainbow Mark cost for my organisation?

The Rainbow Mark is a FREE accreditation available to all members of the LGBT Excellence Centre. To sign up to our membership click here.

To download a copy of our Handbook with detailed information about the Rainbow Mark click here

For further information or to apply for the Rainbow Mark click here.