31 Mar 2026
At The Forward Trust, we want everyone to feel safe, respected and supported when using our services or working with us. This includes transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming (GNC) people.
We work to make sure people can access the help they need, without fear of discrimination or exclusion. We also recognise that we must balance the rights and needs of all individuals, while prioritising the safety and wellbeing of our staff and the people we support.
We know that transgender people are disproportionately affected by issues such as addiction, homelessness and unemployment, and can face additional barriers when trying to access support. We aim to reduce these barriers through inclusive services, tailored support and ongoing learning and improvement across our organisation.
When we use the terms ‘trans’ or ‘transgender’, we are referring to people whose gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth. This includes non-binary, genderfluid and genderqueer people, among others.
Under the Equality Act 2010, people who are proposing to undergo, are undergoing, or have undergone a process to change their sex are protected under the characteristic of gender reassignment. We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment or victimisation and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can feel valued, included and able to thrive.
For definitions of key terms, please see Stonewall’s LGBTQ+ glossary of terms.
What Trans Inclusion Means to Us
Trans inclusion means:
Respecting each person’s gender identity, expression, and pronouns.
Providing equitable access to our services, opportunities, and spaces.
Actively challenging discrimination, bias, and barriers faced by trans people.
Creating a culture where everyone feels visible, valued, and supported.
We are actively taking practical steps to embed trans inclusion across all areas of our organisation:
Respecting Pronouns and Gender Identity: We have rainbow lanyards for staff ID cards, and we encourage staff to include their pronouns in email signatures to make our commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion visible across the organisation. We recognise that not everyone will want their pronouns displayed and fully support that choice.
Data & Monitoring: Our staff equality monitoring now captures a broad range of gender options, allowing individuals to self-identify accurately and respectfully.
Policy & Protections: Trans and non-binary people are explicitly protected under our anti-discrimination and inclusion policies. We are monitoring guidance following the Supreme Court ruling on biological sex in April 2025 and will review our policies and practices in 2026 to ensure they remain fully inclusive, legally compliant, and reflective of best practice in supporting trans and non-binary people.
Facilities: We have accessible gender-neutral toilets at our Head Office and most of our community services and residential sites.
Training & Awareness: We provide ongoing training and resources for all staff to raise awareness of trans inclusion and best practice. Our LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (the Proud ERG) supports these efforts and helps embed trans-inclusive practices across the organisation.
Inclusive and dedicated services: We aim to provide a person-centred service to all clients, which is inclusive of all gender experiences. We recognise that safe and affirming spaces are essential to recovery and wellbeing. We have been running an online LGBTQ+ recovery group since 2023, and in November 2025 we introduced a peer support group for trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals in response to feedback from these communities seeking dedicated support.
Access to Same-Sex Spaces: We recognise that access to same-sex spaces can be an important part of safety, comfort, and wellbeing for some individuals. Our approach balances the rights and needs of all clients: trans, non-binary and GNC clients are supported to access services and spaces that align with their gender identity wherever possible, while also considering the comfort and safety of cisgender clients. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis through sensitive, client-focused planning and risk assessment, ensuring that all individuals feel respected and safe. We will continue to review and refine our approach in line with guidance from the EHRC and any relevant legal developments, including the Supreme Court ruling on biological sex, to ensure our practices remain inclusive, safe and compliant.
Community Engagement: We are actively engaging with trans-led organisations and communities to ensure our services reflect lived experiences and needs, including recent collaborations with Trans Sober and the Canterbury Trans Network.
We welcome feedback and dialogue from trans, non-binary and GNC individuals to help us improve our practices and continue to build an environment where everyone can thrive. Please contact edi@forwardtrust.org.uk to discuss.
