Transgender Inclusion Statement

Across Citizens Advice, we want to create a service where everyone is comfortable coming to us for help and a workplace where everyone belongs. At the same time, speaking up for people who face intense disadvantage, detriment and harm is also a crucial part of our charitable purpose. Bringing these elements together means we are a proudly trans-inclusive service, in line with our values and social justice approach to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion.

At Citizens Advice Hart, we are committed to providing equal opportunities and value for all, respecting the diversity of our workforce and clients. We believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of gender identity or expression. We have a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, victimisation or harassment based on a person’s gender identity. We have confidential and supportive methods of reporting experiences or witnessing bullying, harassment, and intolerance for clients and our workforce members.

We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals, including those who identify as Trans (‘denoting or relating to a person whose gender identity does not correspond with the sex registered for them at birth.’). We have chosen ‘trans’ because it is one of the broadest and most widely accepted words in current use. However, we recognise it is not a term everyone uses and we recognise and respect everyone’s right to choose how they, as individuals, are described. As in any situation where opinions differ, we always encourage respectful dialogue, remembering there is a person behind the statement. We ask all staff to be mindful of discussions that affect some people more directly and personally than others.

We recognise the importance of using language affirming and respectful of trans individuals, and we will make every effort to use appropriate pronouns and terminology. We are committed to ongoing education and training for our staff and volunteers to ensure we provide the best possible service to all community members.

We acknowledge that trans individuals face unique challenges and discrimination in our society, and we are committed to providing support and resources that are sensitive and responsive to their needs. We will work to ensure that our services are inclusive and accessible to all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or expression.

At Citizens Advice Hart, we stand in solidarity with trans individuals. We are committed to advocating for their rights and working towards a society that is inclusive and accepting of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or expression.