Trainer: Mr Roderick Vassallo, Vice Principal, Junior College
Target Audience: All members of staff
0Workshop Duration: 3 hours
Delivery Mode: Class-based / Interactive Workshop
This session introduces the Gender Identity and Expression: Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) —a practical framework designed to foster a University of Malta (UM) environment where every community member feels recognised and valued. This training equips staff with the tools to navigate questions regarding gender identity with confidence, sensitivity, and procedural accuracy.
The training focuses on empowering staff through four primary pillars:
Practical Knowledge & Inclusive Language: Equipping staff with a foundational understanding of gender variation and the use of inclusive language, paired with practical approaches to supporting individuals who are transitioning or identify as gender variant.
Administrative Synergy: Connecting staff with key administrative contacts and specialised departments to ensure seamless guidance and support.
The Transitioning Journey: Providing a clear, empathetic understanding of what the transitioning process entails within the specific context of a post-secondary and university setting.
Institutional Integrity: Strengthening our collective commitment to a zero-tolerance environment regarding all forms of discrimination and harassment.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
Master Terminology: Define key concepts and apply respectful pronoun usage in professional interactions.
Deploy Support Strategies: Implement practical, person-centred strategies to assist gender-variant community members.
Manage Documentation: Navigate the protocols for record updates and documentation changes while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Uphold EDI Standards: Identify and report unacceptable behaviour in alignment with the UM's Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) and anti-harassment policies.
Apply Legal Frameworks: Understand the rights and protections granted under the Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics Act (GIGESC) in Malta.
Why This Matters
"Inclusion is not just a policy; it is a practice. By mastering these SOPs, we ensure that the University of Malta remains a safe, respectful, and legally compliant space for all scholars and staff, regardless of their gender identity or expression."
