Cardiff and Vale College commits to the Trans*Form Cymru Charter

Cardiff and Vale College has committed to the Trans*Form Cymru Charter.

The Trans*Form Charter has been created by trans and non-binary people who are part of Youth Cymru’s Trans*Form project. It sets out the rights of trans young people, along with good practice guidelines for organisations on how to embed these rights across their provision.

Organisations that commit to the Charter are required to develop action plans setting out their commitment to supporting young trans people throughout that organisation. Actions within Cardiff and Vale College’s plan include carrying out additional staff training, holding awareness events at the College – for example, during LGBT History Month – and working with learners to identify gender neutral toilets.

Cardiff and Vale College has already given all of its staff training which included protected characteristics, while staff in departments with an increased number of trans and non-binary learners have been given more detailed, bespoke training. A number of activities have been held to promote trans and LGB inclusion, including an LGBT Conference organised by students.

Trans*Form will deliver training to all staff in January and have helped the College consult with young people to inform CAVC policies and procedures.

CAVC Dean of Quality Improvement Michell Hiller-Forster said: “At Cardiff and Vale College we dedicated to ensuring all of the communities that make up the College family feel represented and included. Committing to the Trans*Form Charter is an important next step for us in maintaining that pledge to make sure no-one feels excluded.”

Trans*Form Project Co-ordinator Rachel Benson said: “We are delighted that Cardiff and Vale College has signed up to the Trans*Form Charter and look forward to working with them to deliver their action plan. All too often trans people face discrimination which can prevent them from accessing opportunities and which can have a serious impact on their mental health and wellbeing.

“It is vital that organisations such as CAVC commit to supporting trans and non-binary people to realise their potential.”