Trans and Gender Diverse Inclusion handbook

A plain text version of the report is available to download.

If you find this report inaccessible, please email our Policy Team who will be pleased to help.

This handbook aims to support you to help make your hospice’s services more inclusive of, and accessible to, trans and gender diverse people. It builds on the findings of our report “I just want to be me”: Trans and Gender Diverse Communities’ Access to and Experiences of Palliative and End of Life Care.

The resource covers various levels of knowledge and experience. Whether you are already a workplace champion for trans and gender diverse equity, or you have no idea where to start, this resource is for you. 

The suggestions and information in this workbook are intended to help you:

• address the barriers facing trans and gender diverse people in palliative and end of life care
• ensure that you and your hospice are informed of the legal standards you must meet
• implement good practice.

This resource includes a range of information pertaining to different roles and responsibilities within a hospice. Particular sections may be more relevant to your role than others, so please consider how the information in this resource can be applied to you.

The handbook includes sections on:

• use of language
• use of pronouns
• addressing discrimination and strengthening policy
• workplace and staff support
• recruitment
• caring for trans and gender diverse patients
• resources and connections.

The Trans and Gender Diverse Inclusion Handbook was updated in August 2026 to reflect legal developments and regulatory guidance, including the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)'s Code of practice. 

Hospice UK remains committed to promoting compassionate, respectful and inclusive hospice care for all, including trans and gender diverse people. We recognise the importance of ensuring that trans and gender diverse people feel welcome, valued and supported in hospice settings - whether as patients, carers, friends, family, staff or volunteers. 

We will continue to listen to people with lived experience, learn from evolving evidence and practice, and support hospices to create environments that are as inclusive, safe and compassionate as possible within the requirements of the law.