Responsibilities Check List

The content of this webpage is taken directly from page 20 of the 'Guidance on trans equality in post-school education' produced by the Forum on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Post-School Education. The Scottish Transgender Alliance was one of the trans equality organisations which assisted in the creation of the guidance and it is available in the downloads box on the left of this webpage or from: http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/A7002.pdf

Corporate responsibilities to combat discrimination and harassment of trans people in further and higher education are as follows:

Governors

Governors are responsible for:

• ensuring that the strategic plan of any education institution includes a commitment to trans equality and equality training on trans issues.
• ensuring their organisation is aware of its corporate responsibilities regarding legislation.

Senior Management

The college or university principal/vice chancellor/chief executive and senior management team are responsible for:

• taking the lead on creating a positive learning and working environment for trans people, including challenging prejudice towards trans people.
• maintaining an awareness of the institution’s statutory duties regarding trans people.
• ensuring that all publicity for the college or university conveys a positive message regarding trans people.
• ensuring that all staff – teaching and support staff – have access to training on trans issues.

Staff

Staff are responsible for:

• maintaining an awareness of the institution’s statutory duties regarding trans people.
• being aware that they personally, as well as their employer, are liable if they take part in a discriminatory act.
• challenging any discriminatory behaviour by students and learners, other members of staff, contractors and placement providers.

Students’ unions

Students’ unions are responsible for:

• being aware of their legal duty to not discriminate against trans members in the provision of goods,facilities and services.
• representing trans students’ interests to the institution.
• training their staff and officers.
• maintaining a safe space within the union building and challenging discrimination where it occurs.
• ensuring that clubs and societies are accessible to all members of the union, including trans students.

Trade unions

Trade unions are responsible for:

• being aware of their legal duty to not discriminate against trans members in the provision of goods, facilities and services.
• representing trans members’ interests to the institution, collectively and individually.
• ensuring their publicity conveys a positive message regarding trans people.
• training their staff and activists.
• challenging any discriminatory behaviour by their members.