The Gender Recognition Act 2015 is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Employment Affairs & Social Protection, who I understand is currently undertaking a review of the Act.
In line with one of the goals of my Department's Statement of Strategy: "to continue to develop a highly skilled, diverse and gender-balanced workforce", my Department has initiated a staff-wide consultation on a Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Policy due to be published shortly.
All staff in my Department are, of course, obliged to treat their colleagues and members of the public with dignity and respect in accordance with the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour. The Code, which is signed by all staff, provides for non-discrimination under the nine specified grounds as stated in the Equality Act 2004, which includes gender. In addition, my Department is committed to the Dignity at Work Policy for the Civil Service which aims to promote respect, dignity, safety, and equality in the workplace.
My Department has not prepared any written guidelines on dealing with transgender matters, but all staff are aware of their responsibilities in delivering high quality service to the broad and diverse range of customers served by my Department.
