Agenda item

The following statement was read out on behalf of Councillor Violet Bonetta:

“Firstly, I apologise that I am unable to be here this morning in person, I am away and out of the country.

I would like to start off by saying it is great to see progress being made on my predecessor’s motion of transgender visibility being implemented in the council. As the first openly transgender Cllr on East Devon, it is great to see progress being made on areas that are going to impact transgender people positively in our local area.

I am happy to see the councils push on their HR systems provider to allow for different titles for non-binary and other gender non-conforming individuals. The introduction of a trans equality policy for members of staff is very much a welcomed addition too, alongside the introduction of trans-specific training later this year. I truly believe the introduction of these policies will thoroughly benefit any current or future trans or gender non-conforming staff at East Devon, making them feel more welcomed and accepted in their workplace. This will be furthered by a trans and non-binary staff network, which I understand will be introduced if there is demand for it.

In relation to the Stonewall Diversity Champions programme, I would have to disagree with the report where it states Stonewall offers “controversial advice” and promotes “trans-extremism”, but I do accept the fact that the programme may not be cost-effective for the council at this time and accept that the Council should not join the Stonewall Diversity Champions programme.

Therefore, I urge all members this morning to vote for the recommendations made in this report. The introduction of these policies is essential if our council wants to support trans and gender non-conforming people, especially in a political climate where many of us feel unsafe and unwelcomed.”

The HR Manager set out the report findings, which followed an investigation into work required to meet the agreed motion at Council on 22 February 2023 on transgender visibility.  This included information sought from other councils on whether they have, or plan to use, the Stonewall Programme.  On the basis of the information found, and the resources available elsewhere, the recommendation was put to the committee not to implement that programme.  Other actions to address transgender visibility were set out and discussed by the committee.

Debate included:

·         Agreement of the proposals put forward;

·         Awareness of the Stonewall Diversity Champions programme associated costs and other organisations no longer signed up to it;

·         Assessing if toilets throughout Blackdown House should all be classed as unisex; in response, the current arrangements were a direct result of consultation with staff to reach a compromise; these views can be sought again if required;

·         Other organisations existed to provide advice and assistance to the council on transgender and gender non-conforming issues.

RESOLVED that

1.      that the Council will not implement the Stonewall Diversity Champions programme due to concerns raised;

2.      that staff views on the introduction of a staff network to support non-binary and transgender employees is explored as part of the planned staff survey later this year;

3.      that the Council will continue to ensure the completion of mandatory equality, diversity and inclusion training for staff and explore specific training once available;

4.      that the Member Development Panel review equality, diversity and inclusion training for members;

5.      the introduction of a new Trans Equality Policy, as shown at Appendix 1 of the report, be agreed.