Supporting colleagues through Gender Transition
In September 2023, we launched the Transition Support Guide to support colleagues at different stages of their gender transition journey. This guide, developed in partnership with LGBTQIA+ and Gender Balance belonging communities, is designed to assist employees and their managers with practical information on the workplace support available for anyone transitioning. It also helps colleagues support family and friends that are transitioning in a thoughtful and respectful way.
Supporting colleagues through Pride
We are honoured to be able to demonstrate support for LGBTQIA+, and our commitment to Tackling Inclusion and Diversity in Energy (TIDE) and to learn how better to align SSE company values with the Pride values of equality, respect, and pride by sponsoring Shetland Pride, Perthshire Pride and Reading Pride last year. This year we have committed to sponsoring two of the largest and longest-running free Pride events in the UK; Glasgow and Reading Pride until at least 2026.
'Being Curious' Learning Series
Our 'Being Curious’ series is aimed to raise awareness and educate our colleagues on key topics which can sometimes be complex and emotive to understand and discuss. Gender Identity was our first topic covered, which included terminology, pronouns, history, context and safeguarding policies including diversity, beliefs and values.
Monthly meet ups
- During last year's Pride month, one of our steering group members, hosted 'Navigating the workplace as an LGBTQIA+ employee' session with 100 members in attendance to share experiences, advice and understanding support available.
- Our co leads have hosted 'Its OK to Ask' sessions with an anonymous Q&A segment. This is an opportunity to bust any myths around this community and increase understanding, empathy and awareness around key topics.
- In honour of LGBTQIA+ history month, we have hosted 'Lunch and Learn' sessions. A business I&D working group hosted one in partnership with the LGBTQIA+ Belonging community and was a great opportunity to hear from the community co-leads along with guest speakers to sharing their stories about LGBTQIA+ and Neurodiversity - as well as a personal coming out stories too to help build allyship.
Becoming my true self
Hear from Elva who shares her story about embracing her true self. From accepting her own identity as a transgender women to sharing her true self with friends, family and work, she talks about her journey so far.
