CSIE delivered a bespoke training session to staff at the University of the West of England around delivery and implementation of their transgender equality policy and guidance for staff and students.

The three hour session delivered on Tues 8th November was attended by a range of staff across faculties, including administrators, members of HR, the Equality and Diversity Unit and Student Support.

The session was split into three main parts:

• Language and terminology around trans identities.

• The implications of the Equality Act upon the university as both a service provider and employee.

• In depth case studies .

The case studies component of the session gave staff a chance to directly engage with the policies and think about how the university might be experienced by a range of characters with differing transgender identities.

Feedback from the session was overwhelmingly positive:

“Very interesting, especially procedural framework”

“Very interesting and informative, useful to learn about different terminology”

“I liked the opportunity to interact”

“The case studies covered a broad range”

“The trainer is clearly knowledgeable in this area and gave a clear presentation”

“Very useful – right balance between information and practical”

“Very knowledgeable and an interesting and passionate presentation”

“the trainer was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic”

“The course content was a good mix of information and activities”

“I was kept motivated with group work and found it useful to exchange ideas and understanding”

“Excellent. Really interesting and helped me develop my knowledge”

All participants felt that they would use what they had learnt in the workplace, that the course supported their personal development, that the length and pace of the programme was excellent or good, and had allowed them to both share and gain knowledge, information and skills. All participants rated the CSIE trainer as “Very Good” or “Good”.