Sexual orientation(SEXORT)

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Key

Value

Name

Sexual orientation

Short Name

SEXORT

Parent Entity

Student (Student)

Type

Field

Applicable To

England Northern Ireland Scotland Wales

Coverage

Compulsory for all Students at providers in England, Northern Ireland and Wales except where (Leaver.ENGENDDATE - Engagement.ENGSTARTDATE <= 14 days and RSNENGEND = 03, 05, 11, 12).

Optional for all Students at providers in Scotland.

Description

This field records the sexual orientation of the student, on the basis of their own self-assessment.

Notes

Continuing students should be asked this question every year, and the data must be updated throughout a student's Engagement where applicable.

The data is recorded on the basis of the student’s own self-assessment.

The valid entries have been aligned with the census in each country.

Suggested question: ‘Which of the following best describes your sexual orientation?’

98 Prefer not to say: this code should be used when the student does not wish to declare this information.

99 Not available: this code should be used when the provider is unable to obtain the data in order to submit it to HESA. Note that this option should not be presented to students explicitly.

Reason Required

To monitor equal opportunities issues in the higher education sector and support higher education providers (HEPs) in meeting their obligations under the Equality Act 2010 through a deeper understanding of the barriers and outcomes of students from a wide range of groups protected by the Act.

Field Length

Quality Rules

Quality Rules to follow

Minimum Occurrence

Maximum Occurrence

Primary Key?

False

Valid Values

Code	Coding Frame Label
10	Bisexual
11	Gay or lesbian
12	Heterosexual or straight
19	Other sexual orientation
98	Prefer not to say
99	Not available

Revision History

Coding Manual Version	Element Version	Notes
1.2.0	1.1	Guidance and suggested question updated in line with the conclusions of the personal characteristics consultation.
1.3.0	1.2	Coverage updated to match legacy Student and Student Alternative return - change to exclude 2 week SLC rule in England. Wales and Northern Ireland now also excluding 2 week SLC rule.
1.5.1	1.3	Coverage updated to exclude 2 week SLC rule in England. Wales and Northern Ireland excluding 2 week SLC rule and where RSNENGEND = 03, 05, 11, 12.