Transpirational guidance

The LGBT+ & Friends network’s ‘Allies Day’ took place at the Phoenix Centre on Monday 20 January, with colleagues from across all areas of the business participating.

The event, which began with an opening address from national service delivery director, Ricky McAulay, featured a Trans* awareness learning session delivered by Gendered Intelligence, a not-for-profit organisation who aim to increase understanding of gender diversity.

The session gave attendees the opportunity to learn more about the challenges that the Trans* community face and identify ways in which they could help to support colleagues.

The event also included an update on Royal Mail’s continued commitment to supporting all aspects of the LGBT+ & Friends network, with a number of events and activities planned throughout 2020.

Geoff Braden, service delivery director, central region, brought proceedings to a close, speaking about the importance of empathy and understanding in the workplace and praising the continued efforts of the LGBT+ & Friends network.

Sophie Cole (pictured), an OPG who works in Collections at Cambridge Mail Processing Unit, said: ‘It was really informative, well put together and well-structured. It went from a base-level understanding for anyone in the room that doesn't have a really good concept of us, all the way through to a Trans* person's understanding, which is what I have.

‘The event was a good indication that we are open to acceptance and knowledge. And then with that acceptance and knowledge hopefully will come experience and an understanding of how to best cater for a diverse workforce.

‘I'm very lucky in that the people I work with in Cambridge are really Trans* accepting. That's what we need to mirror and replicate for the whole of Royal Mail. It's only by doing things like this, where we get that geographical diversity, that we can all come together and understand a single goal, and then work together as a much larger team to accomplish it.’

Trans* network chair, Julia Casson, said: ‘Our Allies meeting was a really good way to kick off 2020. We had a great mix of people from across the business with many new people stepping forward to get involved.’

Head of diversity & inclusion, Peter de Norville, said: ‘How important this is to Royal Mail was made very clear by both Ricky and Geoff, as both underlined the impact that important events such as this one will have on our continuing journey to become an inclusive and welcoming workplace for every single one of our employees.’

Nottingham North postman Des Gibbons, said: ‘Hearing colleagues’ personal journeys was inspiring and at times emotional. We were all extremely excited to hear the future commitment announced by Royal Mail.’