The Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC) has launched a guide to help PS managers support employees to affirm their gender in the workplace.
Launching its Gender affirmation in Victorian public sector workplaces, VPSC said the guide would assist managers to support positive wellbeing outcomes for their trans, gender-diverse and non-binary employees, and deliver on obligations to provide a safe and positive work environment where all employees can thrive.
“Gender affirmation is a process an employee undertakes to change the way they describe themselves,” VPSC said.
“It is a personal decision and can involve navigating many life changes,” it said.
“It is a process of self-identification that must be led by an employee, at their own pace.”
VPSC said employees may use the guide to start a conversation with their manager, while the guide would help managers to work alongside employees to create an environment where they could affirm their gender.
It said the guide included a gender affirmation plan template to help guide conversations between an employee and their manager, “so that each can take practical steps to a safe and productive employment experience.”
“All organisations have a responsibility to ensure trans, gender-diverse and non-binary employees have a safe and supportive environment to work in, but the public sector has an opportunity to set the standard for inclusive and safe workplaces across Victoria,” the VPSC said.
“The guide has been developed to align with Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities and gender affirmation provisions already in the Victorian Public Service enterprise agreement,” it said.
“Organisations under this agreement should adapt their policies and guides about gender affirmation to align with this guide,” the Commission said.
VPSC’s guide can be accessed at this PS News link.
