A grey space in a black and white world.
This quote comes from a warm-hearted and thought-provoking podcast I listened to recently about the Gender Identity Development Service at the Tavistock which has been at the centre of huge controversy over recent years.
The toxicity of the rhetoric around trans rights can make us shy away from the topic but Polly Curtis attempted to tread a balanced line and shed some light into the grey areas. It's good to hear a range of perspectives, including those of trans young people themselves. It's worth a listen, I think.
As Polly Curtis says:
The arguments at the extremes don’t allow for the truth which lies somewhere in the grey area.
I've been interested in the defence the Prime Minister is using about his handling or not handling of the complaints against Dominic Raab. He wasn't aware of any "formal complaints". Apparently.
The difference between formal and informal complaints is often used as an excuse for inaction on the part of bosses. But, as ACAS, says here, when handling complaints at work, you should take into account how the person who raised the concern would like it handled, regardless of whether the complaint has been made formally or informally. If the complaint is very serious, which these allegations against Raab seem to be, you might need to follow a formal process anyway, even if it's an informal complaint.
Interesting and useful links 🖇️
It was good to hear about a new fund for small youth charities (£500,000 turnover or below) launched this week by UK Youth and the Pears Foundation. The fund will offer three-year unrestricted grants of approximately 10% of the current turnover of applicant organisations. More info here.
The Transport Select Committee has launched an enquiry into the legal obligations for providing accessible transport and they are looking for written evidence until 20 March. Please share and encourage people with disabilities and their carers to contribute here.
It is interesting to read about the Financial Conduct Authority's "comply or explain" rules for companies to mark progress on diversity and equality. Some welcome accountability.
Learning points 🎓
It's quite ingrained for many of us to be drawn to sit at the back of the room at big meetings. Maybe this dates from not wanting to be picked on by the teacher at school?
I used to sit at the back but wanting to be able to see what's going on rather than the back of people's heads means I choose the front these days - in meetings, at the cinema, at Duran Duran concerts 😀
Day of the Week 📆
Brigid's cross, traditionally woven from straw on February 1, is a national symbol of Ireland.
Hanging one from a rafter in your home will bring St Brigid's protection for the rest of the year.
What am I reading? 📚
The Law Family Commission report into the relationship between charities and policy makers was published last week.
It's worth a read, although demonstrates that politicians and civil servants still don't understand the role of civil society very well. And people working for charities still don't seem that good at engaging with them.
What am I watching? 👀
I can't believe I missed The Detectorists which first came out in 2014. It's a gentle, observational comedy, starring Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones as two friends who devote their days to metal detecting.
What am I listening to?👂
The 90s called and they want their music back.
Here's The National's new single: Tropic Morning News.
Joy-giving things 😍
A sad orchid that I rescued a couple of years ago, is flowering!
Have a lovely weekend, my friends. I intend to!
Lucy
I write this newsletter because I believe in sharing progressive ideas that help us work towards a truly equal world.
Share it with your friends so they can read it too 📣
Thank you!
ChangeOut is created by Lucy Caldicott. You can find more about my work at ChangeOut.org. If you’re looking to have a chat about culture, leadership, purpose, equity, or a facilitated team discussion about any of those things, get in touch. You can also find me on Bluesky, Instagram, and, LinkedIn.
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