Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 26, 2026

Purpose:

Content: There was one motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12.   (A)        Support for Trans Rights   RESOLVED: That Council:   (1)         Affirm their support for trans, non-binary, and gender diverse residents and their commitment to defending their rights and dignity.   (2)         Request the Leader of the Council to write to the Minister for Women and Equalities to:   (a)     Express the position of this Council is to support trans rights.   (b)     Request guidance on how existing legislation will continue to protect the rights of trans people.   (c)     Request clarity on whether the Government will bring forward new legislation in this area.   (3)         Commit to supporting Officers to take meaningful steps to promote safety and inclusion so that North Herts continues to be a welcoming and inclusive place for the LGBTQ+ community.   (4)         Build upon Council policies and practice to ensure that they explicitly affirm support for trans, non binary, and gender diverse people and that language used is inclusive.   (5)         Ensure that LGBTQ+ inclusion and trans awareness form part of ongoing staff and Councillor training, using existing or freely available resources.   (6)         Publicly mark and promote significant dates for the LGBTQ+ community (such as Pride, Trans Day of Visibility, etc.) through Council communications channels, as appropriate.   (7)         Continue to engage with local LGBTQ+ residents, staff, and organisations to inform Council services, community safety approaches, and staff policies (for example the recent funding with Impactful Lives).   (8)         Promote ways to report hate crimes and discrimination, ensuring that local and national support services are clearly signposted on Council platforms.   (9)         Continue to include commitments to equality, inclusion, and non-discrimination in Council supplier and partner expectations, encouraging inclusive practice in all Council linked work.   (10)     Actively encourage applications from LGBTQ+ people for Council jobs by:   (a)     Requesting officers to consider whether any changes to recruitment practices are necessary or appropriate to support inclusion, and to bring forward any recommendations through the appropriate governance route.   (b)     Reviewing recruitment processes to ensure they are inclusive and free from unnecessary barriers.   (c)     Promoting the Council as an inclusive employer via LGBTQ+ networks, events, and community groups.   (d)     Investigating whether the Council can offer the option to display pronouns during the application and onboarding process at no additional cost.