Supporting our trans and non-binary community
The University is committed to creating an environment that is safe, inclusive and welcoming for all staff and students. This includes supporting people who wish to make or have made changes to their gender identity. The term 'trans' is used in this guidance as an umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or gender expression differs from the sex they were assigned at birth, Some of the information in these pages may also be of interest and relevance to nonbinary students and staff who do not identify as trans. Read more about our commitment.
The University does not tolerate harassment, bullying, or discriminatory behaviour in relation to any protected characteristic, including trans history or identity, or on any other basis. Our Dignity at Work and Study policy outlines what positive behaviours we expect of students and staff, gives (non-exhaustive) examples of inappropriate behaviours, and outlines what remedies are available should anyone experience or witness any form of harassment, bullying, or hate incident.
These pages are designed to provide information to trans staff and students and the wider University community to ensure that we are as trans-inclusive as possible.
If you have any questions, or suggestions about changes or additions to these pages, please complete this feedback form. Your responses are anonymous and will not be used to identify you. However, they may lead to additional content, including populating a section on Frequently Asked Questions.
Training, guidance, and resources
The University encourages all staff to have an awareness of issues that affect trans people, and to attend the University’s Trans Awareness training, delivered periodically throughout the year by Gendered Intelligence.
The University's Glossary of equality, diversity and inclusion terminology contains a section on Gender, which explains many of the terms associated with gender identity and transitioning, including definitions and explanations of gender-neutral pronouns and misgendering.
Pronoun use is explained in our Pronoun guide. This explains why people use different pronouns, and why it is important that we use people’s correct pronouns.
Our Dignity a Work and Study policy outlines expected standards of behaviour for staff and students, including using people’s correct pronouns and correct name (section 3.1.6).
The University encourages all staff to contribute to a safe, respectful, and inclusive community. You can be a supportive colleague by not taking part in discriminatory behaviours, and by challenging unwanted or problematic behaviours, including transphobia. If you would like to know how to do that effectively and safely, please take a look at our information on Being an Active Bystander at Work and Study guidance, which is relevant to many types of behaviour, from inappropriate workplace banter to tackling harassment, bullying, and hate incidents.