VTCT (Skillsfirst) Level 2 Award in People of Pride Allyship (RQF)

Everyday People of Pride (Skillsfirst’s inclusive title which ensures that no sexual or gender identity is excluded) have to make a conscious decision about whether they will be open about their authentic selves at work and in their personal lives. However, it’s not simply a case of coming out once. People of Pride have to decide to come out every time they meet new people, colleagues, clients, suppliers or stakeholders.

In some instances, People of Pride who have come out have been ostracised or harassed by people that they encounter on a daily basis. Bullying and harassment is still common. The opportunity for people to be their authentic selves is made easier however if they believe their daily contacts, managers, colleagues and clients will support them. This can be clearly demonstrated by everyone making a visible effort to make all interactions and environments inclusive and supportive.

VTCT (Skillsfirst) Level 2 Award in People of Pride Allyship (RQF) qualification has been developed in conjunction with members from the Skillsfirst People of Pride Collective and it has been designed to standardise and validate the many allyship training programmes that are available nationally as it is aimed at those learners who are looking to demonstrate their commitment to equity, diversity and inclusivity. This could include staff in schools, colleges, as well as organisations in the public and private sectors.

There are no formal entry requirements for learners undertaking this qualification.

Individuals who are looking to demonstrate their commitment to equity, diversity and inclusivity should consider completing this qualification. By demonstrating an understanding of the lived experience of LGBTQIA+ people, allies will become more self-aware, and be able to support and advocate for people across the rainbow spectrum. As an LGBTQIA+ person, I know first-hand what it is like to be the victim of homophobic hate crime and also experience the micro-aggressions that people from outside of the community may not even recognise. Equity and inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ community has come a long way, and it still needs more allies to speak up. Speak up for those who are marginalised in society. Add your voice to theirs. If we all speak up, for diversity, for fairness, for acceptance, for inclusion we will become a community where everyone feels as though they can belong.

Lindsey Johnson – CEO and Principal Craven College

Further education has made some significant strides in creating strategies to better support equity, diversity, and inclusion within the sector. LGBTQ+ friendly colleges help foster a colleges ability to attract, recruit, and retain talented employees and learners; as such I have followed the development of the Skillsfirst Level 2 People of Pride Allyship qualification with great interest in my role as the Association of Colleges’ Director for Diversity. This qualification is designed to improve the quality of education and support services that FE colleges provide to learners and staff especially those who identify as LGBTQ+. Allies that are nurtured through this qualification can direct the creation of positive policies and aid in developing a positive and productive culture that will enable staff and students to be themselves and thrive.

Jeff Greenidge – Association of Colleges Director of EDI

Qualification Summary

On completion of this qualification, you may progress into further learning, employment or onto other Skillsfirst qualifications, such as the:

• VTCT (Skillsfirst) Level 2 Certificate in LGBT Inclusion in the Workplace (RQF)
• VTCT (Skillsfirst) Level 2 Certificate in Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity in an Educational Environment (RQF)
• VTCT (Skillsfirst) Level 2 Certificate in LGBT Inclusivity in a Health and Social Care Environment (RQF)

or similar vocationally-based qualifications.

Related Documents

VTCT (Skillsfirst) Level 2 Award in People of Pride Allyship (RQF) Handbook

Qualification Structure

To achieve this qualification, learners must achieve the one mandatory unit from Group M.

The Total Qualification Time for VTCT (Skillsfirst) Level 2 Award in People of Pride Allyship (RQF) is 55 hours.

The minimum guided learning hours (GLH) are 47.

Qualification number	Qualification reference
PPAA2	610/1514/3

Group M – Mandatory unit

RQF unit no.	Skillsfirst unit no.	Unit title	GLH value	Level
L/650/3946	PPA1	Understand how to create an environment for people of pride	47	2

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