The recent Gender Recognition Bill in Scotland has attracted widespread comment and coverage after the UK government made history by preventing the Scottish Parliament from passing this law. The new Bill would make it easier for people born in Scotland to obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC), speeding up the process of changing someone’s legal sex and reducing the age that people can apply to 16.

Given this coverage, we want to reiterate our position of working towards an environment where individuals can feel safe and comfortable, without the fear of harassment or discrimination. Please take a look at our EDI policy, Dignity at Work policy and Trans Student Support policy for more information.

We are committed to fostering a positive working environment where all employees are treated fairly, with dignity, courtesy, respect, and consideration. All staff have a responsibility to create an environment that is free from harassment, bullying, unlawful discrimination, and victimisation. We do not – and will not – tolerate discrimination and harassment within our institution. We have been pleased to see growing awareness of the diversity of the trans and non-binary community and increased understanding of the breadth of gender identities. Unfortunately, this visibility has come with a rise in hostility towards some members of the trans community.

Support and information for staff at Kent

• There is a support group in Canterbury that meets twice a month. It is open to trans, intersex and non-binary people at Kent. The group is run by trans/non-binary people for trans/non-binary people. Family and partners are welcome.
• There are gender-neutral toilet facilities across our Canterbury and Medway campuses.
• Check out our directory of LGBTQ+ self-help resources including details of free, confidential, specialist helplines and support group networks, such as Metro, The Be You Project, and Gendered Intelligence.
• Our LGBTQ+ Staff Network encourages people from all backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender identities to get involved and welcomes any ideas, feedback and advice you have.
• We fully support and encourage all our students and staff to report incidents of harassment and discrimination using existing policies.
• Our LGBTQ+ network have a fantastic blog that covers ongoing news, events and challenges – stay up to date with the issues affecting the community.
• Mermaids UK and Stonewall have easily accessible resources and Q&A that cover many of the relevant issues.
• The University of Kent Rainbow Lanyard celebrates and promotes our work around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Wearing one shows your commitment to providing a safe and comfortable environment for all of our LGBTQ+ staff and students. It also shows LGBTQ+ people that they can ‘bring their whole selves’ to you without fear of judgement or an unsupportive reaction.