How inclusive HMRC is for trans staff in reality. And is there a SEEN network at HMRC? Thank

Thanks for asking. HMRC’s done a lot to be inclusive of trans colleagues. We’ve got a great LGBT+ network called PRISM, which is open to everyone and includes support for trans and non-binary staff. It’s a safe space where people can connect, share experiences, and help shape how HMRC supports its LGBT+ community. They run events, offer peer support, and work with senior leaders to make sure inclusion is something people actually feel, not just something written in a policy.

As for SEEN, I did ask someone about it recently, and they said it’s a bit tricky to explain. It’s a cross-government network, so it can have members from all sorts of departments, including HMRC. But it doesn’t have any formal standing within HMRC itself, so no one is doing SEEN-related work as part of their HMRC role or during HMRC time.

Thanks Prudencia! I appreciate the response and you looking into it for me.

You're very welcome. I completely get where you’re coming from. Culture really does matter, and it’s not just about policies, it’s about how people treat each other and whether you feel safe and supported at work. I’m not non-binary myself, but one of my closest friends is, and they work in my directorate. From what I’ve seen, and from what they’ve shared — HMRC’s culture is genuinely inclusive. I’m Black and have a disability, and I’ve always felt included and respected here, and I know my friend would say the same.

Apologise for my delay in replying. I wanted to share some useful links with you and needed to check with colleagues first.

Thank you for this question. I understand that workplace culture and genuine inclusivity are crucial factors when considering where to work, and you're right to ask about this.

HMRC is committed to being an inclusive, respectful and representative workplace and workforce and trans colleagues are welcomed members of our community.  

You can read about our equality objectives at Equality and diversity.  In addition to complying with statutory obligations, HMRC has staff networks including LGBT+ and Sex and Gender.

We do not have a SEEN network within HMRC. No employer can guarantee that every colleague will always uphold all behavioural standards at all times but we have trans inclusive policies and we set clear expectations of all colleagues to be fair, kind and human with each other,  and we have robust processes in place for addressing any behaviours that fall short of expected conduct standards.

HMRC, like all government departments, has legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and publishes annual equality reports (though note these may not have specific detail about trans inclusion experiences). The Civil Service has diversity and inclusion commitments, including LGBT+ networks.

However, I want to be transparent that as an insider answering general questions, I can't speak for the day-to-day lived experience of trans colleagues across all of HMRC's locations and teams.  As mentioned in the above paragraph we have trans inclusive policies and we set clear expectations of all colleagues to be fair, kind and human with each other, and we have robust processes in place for addressing any behaviours that fall short of expected conduct standards.

May I suggest contacting the job vacancy holder before applying to ask them about LGBT+ networks and trans-specific support.

There are also public articles you may find helpful, such as Championing an inclusive workplace for LGBT+ on the Civil Service blog and information about Civil Service Networks LGBT on the HMRC Careers page.

I wish you all the best if you choose to apply for a job within HMRC.