Supporting trans and non-binary healthcare staff
The NHS Confederation’s Health and Care LGBTQ+ Network has launched a new report, supporting healthcare leaders to effectively support their trans and non-binary staff.
The report, developed in partnership with the LGBT Foundation, includes new data from a survey and interviews with trans and non-binary people in the NHS, which found that 55% experienced transphobia in the workplace and 47% experienced negative or stereotypical assumptions about their gender identity.
The report supports leaders to become effective, active allies to their healthcare staff; take action to ensure working environments are inclusive; and guide decision-making when developing policies for trans and non-binary staff.
Dr Layla McCay, Director of Policy, NHS Confederation; and Executive Lead, Health and Care LGBTQ+ Leaders Network said:
“As Executive Lead for the Health and Care LGBTQ+ Leaders Network, I see all too clearly the negative impact of discrimination and exclusion for trans and non-binary people who work in healthcare. NHS and wider healthcare workforces are stronger for their diversity and ability to reflect the populations they serve, but getting the best from staff means enabling everyone to thrive at work. This report is a positive step in creating respectful, safe working environments for trans and non-binary staff in healthcare.
Leaders across the healthcare sector have been looking for practical advice on how to support their trans and non-binary staff to flourish and continue to deliver the exceptional care for which our health system is so renowned.
This report sets out the lived experience of trans and non-binary healthcare staff; what they need in terms of allyship; and how to provide this support in accordance with equality and employment law. I am proud to have been a part of this work and I look forward to seeing its positive impact on our precious healthcare workforce.”
The report was developed by the NHS Confederation's Health and Care LGBTQ+ Leaders Network in partnership with the LGBT Foundation. It is supported by the NHS Confederation's leadership networks, including the BME Leadership Network; and Health and Care Women Leaders Network.
