Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQ)
Questions
about our courses | Questions
about the law
About Sexual Orientation
What is sexual
orientation?
Sexual Orientation is an enduring emotional, romantic and sexual
attraction to another person. It is easily distinguished from
other components of sexuality, including biological sex, gender
identity (the psychological sense of being male or female) and
the social gender role (adherence to cultural norms for feminine
and masculine behaviour).
Bisexual persons can experience sexual and emotional
attraction to both their own sex and the opposite sex. Persons
with a homosexual orientation are usually referred to as gay (both
men and women) or as lesbian (women only).
Sexual orientation is different from sexual behaviour because
it refers to feelings and self-concept. Persons may or may not
express their sexual orientation in their behaviours.
What causes a person to have a particular sexual orientation?
There are numerous theories about the origins of a person's sexual
orientation; most scientists today agree that sexual orientation
is most likely the result of a complex interaction of environmental,
cognitive and biological factors.
In most people, sexual orientation
is shaped at an early age. There is also considerable recent
evidence to suggest that biology, including genetic or inborn
hormonal factors, play a significant role in a person's sexuality.
In short, it is important to recognize that
there are probably many reasons for a person's sexual orientation
and the reasons may be different for different people.
Is sexual orientation a choice?
No, human beings can not choose to be either gay or straight.
Sexual orientation emerges for most people in early adolescence
without any prior sexual experience.
Although we can choose whether
to act on our feelings, psychologists do not consider sexual
orientation to be a conscious choice that can be voluntarily
changed.
About the law
What new regulations apply to sexual orientation?
Equalities Bill
Regulations came into force on April 30th 2007 which makes discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation unlawful in relation to the provision of goods, services, premises, education and public functions.
The Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation)
Regulations 2003 were passed by Parliament as a result of the
EU Employment Directive outlawing discrimination on grounds of
sexual orientation, religion or belief and age in employment
and vocational training.
The Civil Partnership Bill became law on 18 November 2004, and
comes into effect on 5 December 2005. As well as giving formal
legal recognition, civil partnership brings with it rights and
responsibilities between the partners themselves and third parties,
including the state and employers.
2005 Finance Bill. Same sex partners will be treated as
a heterosexual couples for tax and benefits purposes – regardless
of civil partnership status.
Amendments to the Employment (Sexual Orientation)
Regulations 2003 are being made to take account of the introduction
of civil partnership. These amendments will take effect along
with The Civil Partnership Act on 5 December 2005. They
include ensuring that access to employment and vocational training
and related benefits will achieve, as far as is possible, equality
of treatment between spouses and civil partners. What aspects of employment do the regulations cover?
The regulations apply throughout the employment
relationship – during
the recruitment process, in the workplace, on dismissal, resignation
and retirement and in certain circumstances, after the employment
has finished.
Why do we need training as a result of these regulations?
Between
5% and 10% of the UK population identifies as lesbian, gay or bisexual;
it follows that a proportion of staff and customers will be lesbian,
gay or bisexual and therefore employers need to address the requirements
of these regulations.
The first successful claim under these
regulations resulted in an award in excess of £35,000.
Civil partnerships have created additional complexities for employers
and managers may not be aware of the issues for LGB people or
that certain practises directly or indirectly breach the regulations.
The onus is on the employer to prevent and/or address discrimination
or harassment in the workplace on the grounds of sexual orientation.
Training can definitely help to achieve this and demonstrate
positive action.
About our courses
How do I book?
Public courses
and conferences can be booked
online or by phone.
When will I receive joining instructions for your public courses
and Conferences?
Joining instructions - including a programme, venue details and
map - are sent to each participant approximately two weeks before
each course or conference.
How and when do I pay?
Payment
for public courses and conferences
must be received in full no less than
five working days before the event
takes place. Payment can be made by
cheque, invoice or cash. Please see
our course
prices document.
What is the dress code?
The dress code for all PTT
public courses and conferences is smart/casual.
What are the timings of your public courses and conferences?
PTT public courses and conferences run from 9.00/9.30am to 4.30pm/5.30pm
- final timings are sent in your joining instructions.
What refreshments are offered on public courses
and conferences?
Fees include tea, & coffee. Lunch can be ordered at a cost of £5 per head. If you have any special dietary requirements please inform us when booking or contact us by phone or via the message form on this web site.
Is there a smoking policy on PTT public courses and conferences?
Yes. PTT venues are strictly non-smoking within the training
and conference rooms and refreshment areas. Details of smoking
areas - if applicable - are provided with your joining instructions.
What is your policy for special needs requirements?
We ensure that all our venues cater for special
needs requirements. If you have any worries or specific queries
please contact us.
Are participant numbers restricted on your public
courses?
Yes, numbers on public courses are restricted to ensure that participants receive a personalised service.
What are the terms and conditions of
booking?
You can read our terms
and conditions on this web site
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