If you are new to this topic, see this introductory transgender overview page, which includes definitions and general advice for supporting transgender and non-binary colleagues and students.
For a summary of the key legislation which guides the University’s approach to supporting trans people, see our legal protection page.
Transgender policy and guidance
The University aims to provide support and understanding to those individuals who wish to take, or have taken, steps to change the gender identity they were assigned at birth. It also aims to create an inclusive culture, where all transgender and non-binary people are treated with dignity and respect. Our commitments are outlined in the University’s Transgender Policy and associated guidance.
The aims of the Transgender policy and associated guidance are:
- to assist members of the University in understanding gender diversity in relation to the activities of the University;
- to clarify roles and responsibilities for supporting students, staff and alumni who wish to make, or have made changes to their gender identity; and
- to ensure that the University has protocols for changing student, staff and alumni records and for storing confidential information relating to gender identity.
The guidance is informative, not prescriptive and is intended to form the basis for sensitive support of transgender and non-binary individuals.
It is recommended that colleges adopt this policy and guidance rather than developing their own.
Key elements of the guidance can be found below, with further guidance in the ‘in depth’ tab.
Transgender support
Consider some of the practical steps around transition, for both trans staff or students and those supporting them.
Support checklists for staff and for students cover some of the main areas to be considered when an individual states that they intend to transition.
Find out how you can support trans inclusion and how colleges can support trans students.
Practical issues for trans and non-binary staff and students
Information on changing name and gender records for transgender and non-binary staff and students.
See the practical issues for trans staff page for information on recruitment, references, pensions, DBS checking and medical leave.
For guidance on specific issues for trans and non-binary students, including sports, financial hardship, timing of transition and academic dress, see the practical issues for trans students page.
External resources on transgender and non-binary inclusion
A useful guide to personal pronouns and why they matter.
For teaching staff, see this brief guide to making university classrooms more accessible to trans and gender non-conforming students.
