Disclosure Log
Trans training (FOI/6045)
Message from Nottinghamshire County Council - 22 July 2025
Dear *****
Freedom of Information Request – Ref: FOI/00006045
Thank you for your email of 27 June 2025 where you requested information about trans training.
The information, which can be disclosed, is:
- Do you have any similar material available on your intranet
Specifically, any training video or other resources which reference transgender issues, pronouns, "microaggressions" or "unconscious bias"
Two e-learning modules, available as part of a standard package from our learning management system provider made some minor references to using pronouns and to unconscious bias. Considering the supreme court ruling these modules have been taken down and are no longer available to staff.
- What legal advice has been given (if any) as to the accuracy of the claims made in any such training resources given this Supreme Court ruling in April
We are reviewing our material and seeking legal advice as required.
The remainder of the information that you requested is exempt under section 43(2) (commercial interests) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and is therefore withheld. This comprises the answer to:
2. If so, please provide copies of any such materials.
We are withholding copies of these materials under Section 43(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. This section exempts information whose disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the commercial interests of any person, including the public authority holding it.
Prejudice Test:
The training materials in question were developed by a third-party provider and are subject to licensing and usage restrictions. Disclosure of these materials into the public domain would be likely to prejudice the commercial interests of the provider by undermining their ability to commercially exploit the content, including through future sales or licensing agreements. It would also risk damaging the Council’s ability to procure similar materials on favourable terms in the future.
Public Interest Test:
We recognise the public interest in transparency and accountability, particularly in relation to the use of public funds and the content of staff training. However, we consider that this is outweighed by the public interest in protecting the legitimate commercial interests of third-party providers and maintaining the Council’s ability to secure value for money in future procurement. On balance, we have concluded that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure.
Your privacy: we use your personal information such as name and address so that we can comply with our legal obligations to respond to FOI requests. For further details about the use of information about you, please see the information handling privacy notice on our website at https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/media/4323566/informationgovernanceandinformationrightsprivacynotice.pdf.
If you are dissatisfied with the handling of your request, you have the right to ask for an internal review. Internal review requests should be submitted within 40 working days of the date of receipt of the response to your original request and should be addressed to: Complaints and Information – Team Manager, Nottinghamshire County Council, County Hall, Loughborough Road, West Bridgford, NOTTINGHAM, NG2 7QP or [email protected].
Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.
If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review, you have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, WILMSLOW, SK9 5AF or https://ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint/foi-and-eir-complaints/.
Yours sincerely
Colin Sawers (He/Him)
Information Case Officer | Customers, Complaints and Information
Chief Executive"s Department | Nottinghamshire County Council
County Hall | Loughborough Road | West Bridgford | NOTTINGHAM | NG2 7QP
Tel: (0115) 977 3714