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Trans master class

Case study

As part of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service’s (NFRS) objective to improve learning opportunities for its employees on a range of subjects, the Service held its first ‘master class’ on 19th June 2015. The first subject was Trans issues and was delivered in a very different format to that usually experienced by NFRS employees. Organised in conjunction with the Fire Brigades Union, this was the first event of its kind at NFRS.

The event, hosted by Pete Mercer of Stonewall at NFRS Headquarters, was delivered in an interview format where the audience (event delegates) watched two 1:1 interviews. The first person to be interviewed was Nic Brennan, a firefighter from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service. Nic spoke of his experiences both pre and post transition in a personal, heartfelt but very humorous way. He told us about his experiences as a female firefighter and how he had nearly blacked out following a BA exercise because he hadn’t wanted to have a drink in case he needed to go to the toilet – not wanting to use the facilities at work. This helped the audience to understand the level of anxiety Nic was feeling at the time and how deeply this can affect your working life on a very practical level. He also told us how happy he now is in himself. Nic also answered questions from the audience at the end of the interview.

Katie Cornhill, a Group Manager at Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and secondee to The Fire Service College was the second person to be interviewed. Katie talked about the importance of support networks for trans people including ‘allies’ programmes and ‘Quiltbag’ – the first national LGBT group for the Fire and Rescue Service. She also talked about her personal journey and the first conversation she had with her Station Manager about her gender identity and her wish to transition. Katie emphasised the importance of this first conversation and the reaction of the individual to whom you are confiding in. This was a real learning point for the audience.

Outcomes

Over 30 managers and employees attended with colleagues from Nottinghamshire Police also in attendance. Following the event the Service asked for feedback.

Here are a couple of examples of what we got back from some of the delegates:

I thought the Trans Master class was one of the best and most insightful courses I have been on. It was a true eye opener and extremely educational. To hear first-hand experiences gave the material such validity and impact, I found it inspirational. I truly feel I gained a huge amount from the course so thanks for facilitating it. A Crew Manager
I thought the course was very good. It gave a heartfelt insight into the journey that transsexuals go through. I take my hat off to both Nic and Katie, Honest open discussion breaking down preconceived ideas. Very, very good. A Firefighter
I'd like to become an 'Ally' please. I think this is a great scheme and I'd love to be part of it. Also, I have just signed up to the no by-standers initiative. Again, I think initiatives like this are so important in an organisation like ours.
I would also like to say the Trans Master class was superb! I was riveted to what both guests had to say…. A Crew Manager