Top UK REITs consider introducing trans-inclusion policies for the first time 

Pride 2018: A host of leading UK real estate investment trusts are considering bringing in new trans-inclusion policies for the first time, as addressing the lack of clear guidelines rises up the agenda. Three of the UK’s 10 largest REITs by market capitalisation are considering bringing in new polices: Land Securities, British Land and Shaftesbury. Shaftesbury chief executive, Brian Bickell, said: “Trans-inclusion is becoming more of an important topic and we do need to have another look at some of our policies on this.  “We are about to recruit someone in HR and we will look at these polices. We absolutely want to be on the forefront of change in how we approach LGBT; we are working across Soho and it is important that we push the diversity message. Pride 2018: How LGBT allies in property can make a difference “We are lagging behind other sectors on diversity. It doesn’t happen overnight but we are starting to change our attitudes. At Shaftesbury, it is just me who is the only gay in the village. There are very big challenges as property is a backward-looking sector and we need to get there.” A press spokesperson for Land Securities, the biggest listed property company in the UK, said: “Trans-inclusion is an area that our diversity and inclusion committee is looking at.  “We also have an LGBT committee that meets regularly to share experiences and ideas of how LandSec can continue to champion diversity inside and outside our business.” Meanwhile British Land told EG earlier this week that it was set to overhaul its polices to focus more on trans-inclusion in the workplace. The news follows the announcement that Stonewall, the UK diversity charity, is marking employers for the first time on trans-inclusivity for its annual list of Top 100 LGBT-inclusive employers. The move marks a change of approach for the charity, which had previously focused on employers’ work on lesbian-, gay- and bisexual-inclusive policies. Pride 2018: BPF president Rob Noel’s diversity agenda Reg Kheraj, Stonewall client account manager, said: “Property companies can update their HR systems to offer gender-neutral pronouns like Mx on titles and provide gender-neutral facilities.  “As part of basic training for staff, they can outline zero-tolerance policies on transphobic bullying, discrimination and harassment, as well as developing policies to support employees who are transitioning, including information on confidentiality, dress codes and facilities. “People work best when they can be themselves, so it’s essential property companies show their support for trans equality and take the lead in embedding trans-inclusion in their business year-round. This is a vital step towards improving life for trans people.” Main pic: Muddy Ignace/DYDPPA/REX/Shutterstock To send feedback, e-mail anna.ward@egi.co.uk or tweet @annaroxelana or @estatesgazette