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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Gender-Inclusive Care Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all residents, staff, and visitors at {{org_field_name}} are treated with dignity, respect, and equality, regardless of their gender identity, gender expression, or sex assigned at birth.

This policy aims to:

• Promote a culture of inclusivity that values and respects transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals.
• Ensure compliance with The Equality Act 2010, which protects individuals from discrimination based on gender reassignment, sex, and other protected characteristics.
• Support person-centred care planning that aligns with residents’ gender identities and ensures comfort, safety, and autonomy.
• Provide staff training and guidance to promote gender-inclusive care practices.
• Prevent harassment, discrimination, and misgendering within the care home.
• Maintain compliance with CIW regulations, ensuring gender inclusivity in all aspects of care.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Residents: Ensuring that all individuals receive care that aligns with their gender identity, pronouns, and personal preferences.
• Staff members: Providing training, policies, and a supportive workplace environment free from gender-based discrimination.
• Visitors and family members: Ensuring inclusivity and education about gender-diverse individuals.
• Care planning, admission, and daily care procedures: Adapting services to be gender-sensitive and person-centred.
• Facilities, documentation, and records: Ensuring gender-affirming practices in accommodation, bathrooms, and administrative processes.

3. Related Policies

This policy aligns with:

• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy (CHW30).
• Dignity and Respect Policy (CHW08).
• Person-Centred Care Policy (CHW07).
• Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (CHW13).
• Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR) Policy (CHW34).

4. Gender-Inclusive Care Principles

At {{org_field_name}}, we ensure that all residents feel comfortable, respected, and validated in their gender identity. Our approach includes:

4.1. Respect for Gender Identity and Pronouns

• All residents will be addressed using their chosen name and pronouns, which will be recorded in their care plan and personal records.
• Staff will not assume gender based on appearance and will ask respectfully if clarification is needed.
• Pronouns and gender identity will be included in resident documentation in a way that respects confidentiality and privacy.

4.2. Inclusive Admission and Care Planning

• Upon admission, residents will be given the opportunity to disclose their gender identity and any specific needs or concerns they may have.
• Staff will ensure that gender identity is not a barrier to accessing care services, including personal care, medical support, and emotional well-being.
• Care plans will reflect individual gender needs, including:
  • Preferred name and pronouns.
  • Privacy considerations for personal care.
  • Medication support, including hormone therapy if applicable.

4.3. Personal Care and Privacy

• Residents will be given the choice of staff members (where possible) to provide personal care, respecting their comfort and dignity.
• For transgender and non-binary residents, personal care routines will be adjusted to accommodate gender-affirming preferences.
• Staff will be trained to understand the unique needs of gender-diverse individuals, ensuring they receive sensitive, informed care.

4.4. Accommodation and Facilities

• Residents will be offered gender-affirming accommodation based on their own preference, rather than being placed in rooms based on sex assigned at birth.
• All gender identities will be respected when assigning rooms, and any concerns from other residents will be addressed sensitively.
• Bathroom access:
  • Residents will have the right to use gender-affirming bathrooms.
  • Staff and visitors will be encouraged to use inclusive language when referring to bathrooms.
  • Where needed, gender-neutral facilities will be provided.

4.5. Clothing, Personal Expression, and Belongings

• Residents will be supported in wearing clothing that aligns with their gender identity.
• The home will maintain gender-inclusive grooming and styling options, allowing residents to express themselves freely.
• Access to gender-affirming items (e.g., binders, wigs, prosthetics) will be accommodated where possible.

4.6. Gender-Affirming Healthcare Support

• If a resident is undergoing gender-affirming treatment, staff will ensure their medical and psychological needs are fully supported.
• Medications, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT), will be managed with the same dignity and confidentiality as any other prescription.
• Staff will liaise with specialist healthcare providers to ensure that gender-diverse residents receive appropriate medical support.

4.7. Staff Training and Awareness

• All staff members will receive training in:
  • Gender identity and expression.
  • Respectful communication and avoiding misgendering.
  • Supporting transgender and non-binary individuals in care settings.
  • Legal rights and anti-discrimination laws.
• Staff will be encouraged to ask questions in a respectful and sensitive manner if they are unsure about a resident’s preferences.

4.8. Preventing Discrimination and Harassment

• Any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment based on gender identity will not be tolerated.
• Staff, residents, and visitors must adhere to a zero-tolerance policy regarding gender-based discrimination.
• Complaints related to misgendering, exclusion, or harassment will be handled promptly, following the care home’s safeguarding procedures.

4.9. Confidentiality and Data Protection

• Residents have the right to privacy regarding their gender identity.
• Records containing gender information will be stored securely, in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
• Staff will ensure that discussions regarding gender identity occur in a private and respectful setting.

4.10. Inclusion in Social and Recreational Activities

• Residents of all gender identities will have equal access to recreational activities.
• Staff will ensure that social groups, outings, and events are inclusive and gender-diverse.
• Gender-specific events will be adapted to allow participation for non-binary and gender-diverse residents.

5. Compliance and Monitoring

• Regular staff training sessions will ensure that all team members remain up to date with best practices in gender-inclusive care.
• Resident feedback will be collected to improve gender-inclusive practices.
• CIW inspectors will have access to gender-inclusive care plans and training records as part of compliance monitoring.
• The Registered Manager will conduct bi-annual reviews of gender-inclusivity in care home practices.

6. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

• Legislation changes, requiring updates.
• Best practices in gender-inclusive care evolve.
• Residents or staff provide feedback suggesting improvements.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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