The University of Sheffield celebrated Transgender Day of Visibility, which is dedicated to celebrating trans people and communities and to step up and be an ally by learning about trans experiences and challenges, improving visibility of trans people, and calling out transphobia.
Celebrating international LGBT+ awareness days is just one way that the University supports workplace equality and inclusion for its staff and students.
"LGBT+ inclusion is everyone's responsibility. Our University is committed to bring about culture change and develop a truly inclusive environment where LGBT+ colleagues and students feel they belong, are supported to be themselves and can flourish to reach their full potential," says Professor Gill Valentine, Provost & Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
Treating all staff with dignity and respect
As part of the University of Sheffield's commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and compliance with the Equality Act (2010), it works to ensure that all staff including transgender people (and people perceived to be transgender) are treated with dignity and respect and will not tolerate any discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation during recruitment or their employment.
The University has reviewed its policy language to make all its policies fully LGBT+ inclusive and continues to review and monitor this on an ongoing basis.
Being a role model
The University fo Sheffield continues to develop its LGBT+ role models webpage and always welcomes expressions of interest from members of trans staff in particular. The University's LGBT+ role models tend to be either work colleagues or local community members. For the University, having visible LGBT+ role models can help others to develop a stronger sense of self and show that there should be no limits on who our LGBT+ staff and students can be and what they can achieve. Visibility can break down barriers and challenge misconceptions.
Top Trans-Inclusive Employer
The University of Sheffield has also been recognised as a Stonewall Top Trans-Inclusive Employer for its commitment to trans inclusion. The University understands it still has work to do and is continuing to make this a key focus area for the future.
Transgender Guiding Principles
Continuous reviews of its policies and systems to update its language is one way in which the University works towards LGBT+ inclusion. It has worked with colleagues to review and update its Transgender Guiding Principles and will continue to engage with stakeholders and progress this work moving forward.
Equality training for staff
The University of Sheffield has also worked closely with Gendered Intelligence to run face-to-face trans equality training for over 170 staff to provide guidance on transgender terminology and language, and the legal and work-related issues that our trans colleagues may face. This ongoing work is crucial for incorporating trans inclusion into every day practice.
Gender Equality Committee
The University's Gender Equality Committee has representation from staff with expertise on transgender issues. This committee aims to raise awareness and offer support to the University in progressing gender equality, acting as a body of expertise in this area. Broadening committee membership to include expertise on transgender issues is key in helping the University to consider trans inclusion as part of this work.
Gender Neutral Toilets are also available in The Diamond and Students' Union Building.
Open@TUOS LGBT+ allies programme
Open@TUOS has over 2,800 supporters who can visibly and proactively demonstrate their commitment to LGBT+ equality and inclusion and support our LGBT+ colleagues and students, such as wearing a rainbow lanyard.
Work for a trans inclusive employer
The University of Sheffield is a workplace open to people of all backgrounds and identities, with support systems and policies in place to ensure everyone feels welcome, valued and respected.
If you want to work for an inclusive employer, search and apply for a job at the University of Sheffield
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Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.