Leading the Way in Inclusive Care: Sanjay Dhrona’s Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Adult Social Care
At The Close Care Home, inclusivity is central to our mission, and we are proud to see our commitment recognised by Care England. Recently, our Managing Director, Sanjay Dhrona, joined leaders at the “Driving Inclusion: LGBTQ+ Best Practice and Benchmarking in Adult Social Care” roundtable hosted by The Outstanding Society. This event, highlighted by Care England, gathered sector leaders and care recipients to drive a conversation that redefines inclusive practices for LGBTQ+ individuals in care.
From Mandates to Meaningful Inclusion
At the roundtable, industry leaders examined how LGBTQ+ inclusion needs to extend beyond mandatory requirements and instead focus on sustainable, meaningful change. Rather than a “box-ticking” exercise, the new framework promotes a voluntary, peer-led accreditation system that empowers care providers to adopt high standards in LGBTQ+ inclusion. This approach aligns with the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) new Single Assessment Framework, which emphasises personalised care, dignity, and respect.
This accreditation aims to make LGBTQ+ inclusion a natural part of organisational culture, benefiting both care staff and those they support. For The Close, this aligns perfectly with our philosophy of treating each resident as a respected individual, responding to their unique backgrounds and preferences with care and compassion.
Voices of LGBTQ+ People in Care: Central to Change
What made the roundtable especially impactful was the presence of LGBTQ+ individuals who are supported by care, sharing their personal experiences and challenges. This inclusive dialogue underscored essential themes like empowerment, allyship, and the need to understand the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community.
A powerful message shared by one attendee, “I want adventure, not roadblocks,” echoed the drive to break down barriers in care and support. This call for authentic inclusivity resonated deeply with Sanjay, who sees these voices as vital in shaping standards that allow LGBTQ+ individuals to live freely and meaningfully.
Recognised for Progress: The Close’s Role in Leading Change
The Close Care Home’s involvement in this important initiative was featured by Care England, reinforcing our reputation as an advocate for best practice and equality in adult social care. Sanjay Dhrona’s active role in shaping this pioneering approach illustrates our dedication to ensuring that our care community is welcoming, inclusive, and understanding. We are proud to work alongside The Outstanding Society as they develop a white paper to guide this vision of LGBTQ+ inclusion across the sector, establishing benchmarks that all care providers can follow.
Join Us in Creating Truly Inclusive Care
As part of this movement, The Close Care Home is helping set a new standard for inclusive care in the UK, and we encourage others to join us in promoting respect and equality for everyone. In Sanjay’s words, “Let’s continue the conversation and work together to build a future where diversity is celebrated and care is outstanding for all.”
To learn more about the initiative and to get involved, please visit The Outstanding Society.
