A note about how we recruit

We normally advertise our posts without any special restriction — we're delighted to get applications from anyone who meets the person-specification!

In some cases, we have to advertise specifically for lesbian gay / bisexual people, because that particular job involves major issues of trust and confidence, dealing directly with some very vulnerable or disadvantaged service-users who need to be confident that they will be dealing with someone who understands the issues that affect the majority of our service-users from inside.

Where we use it (and we only do so where absolutely necessary) this "Genuine Occupational Requirement" is lawful within the terms of the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003.

We have made enquiries about the legal position in respect of advertising specifically for applicants who are (or were formerly) transgendered. It is clear from our legal advice that there is no lawful way of advertising any of the posts we have ever advertised as being specifically as a post for Trans people.

Needless to say, we warmly welcome applications from Trans people for our non-specific positions, and where we have had to advertise a position as being restricted to lesbian / gay / bisexual people we warmly welcome applications from Trans people who also identify as lesbian or gay or bisexual.

When the law changes to achieve a better level of equality for Trans people and the organisations that provide services for Trans people, we will be delighted to adjust our recruitment accordingly, wherever appropriate!