RSA unveils trans-inclusive policy for UK employees
RSA Insurance has announced a policy to support both trans-identified and transitioning employees while ensuring their colleagues have the right tools and resources to be effective allies. The policy which was recently launched internally aims to open up dialogue on gender identity and to visibly demonstrate the support employees and leaders have access to when supporting trans colleagues.
The UK Government Equalities Office estimates there are up to 500,000 trans-identified people living in the UK, yet over half of trans respondents have avoided opening up about their gender identity for fear of a negative reaction from others.
RSA’s policy was uniquely developed in collaboration with an employee, Jackson McGarry who has recently transitioned while in his role. Under the new policy, trans employees can set the pace of their transition and access toilet facilities corresponding to their gender identity. RSA will also change records to account for new names and pronouns and ensure that transition plans are only discussed to help manage expectations and minimise inappropriate responses.
Team leaders play a key role in nurturing an inclusive environment and the policy offers a framework for human resources to help colleagues feel safe and supported through each step of their transition plan. As part of its diversity and inclusion commitment, RSA also strictly prohibits all forms of harassment toward staff members. Aggression from any parties including leaders and customers will not be tolerated.
Jackson McGarry, Customer Manager at RSA said:
“Transitioning is a life-changing process that can lead to an incredible amount of stress and emotional ups and downs. I’m grateful that RSA and my team have been accommodating to my journey, offering flexible working so I can attend my medical appointments, and I feel supported coming to work every day. But my experience shouldn’t be a privilege or something that is down to luck.
“RSA has shown that it values its employees, particularly by including me in the development and ongoing refinement of the guidance. It’s truly encouraging to see a company this size taking concrete, company-wide steps to educate its workforce, building an inclusive environment for its trans employees.”
Gemma Jackson, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at RSA said:
“We believe our business is stronger when it reflects the communities we serve. A diverse and open workforce helps us to innovate and ultimately create better insurance products and services. At RSA, we are proud of all our employees and want them to come to work every day knowing they are in a safe space. We’re constantly reviewing our recruitment processes and training and development programmes to be more inclusive, and our trans policy is our latest initiative to change workplace culture, stamp out discriminatory behaviour and instil tolerant practices.”
RSA’s new policy strives to meet the individual needs of all-trans employees and ensure they have the resources, respect, and support they deserve. RSA values diversity and aims to create an inclusive workplace where all individuals can feel engaged and can contribute their best every day. RSA’s ‘Building Pride’ group for LGBTQ+ members and allies is a leading example of an industry network dedicated to encouraging inclusion in the workplace, with the group raising awareness internally and externally on topics such as transgender visibility, Queer leadership, gender expression and destigmatising HIV.
