Replacement of single sex toilets with gender neutral toilets: FOI release
Information request and response under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.
Information requested
You asked for information regarding the policy decision to replace a number of single sex toilets in Scottish Government Buildings with gender neutral/mixed sex/unisex toilets, including how this policy decision was reached, what consultation was undertaken with staff, what impact assessments were carried out, how many single sex toilets have been replaced in the respective buildings and how many more are planned?
Response
Information regarding the policy decision to introduce gender neutral/mixed sex/unisex toilets, including how this decision was reached, what consultation was undertaken with staff and what impact assessments were carried out:
The introduction of gender neutral toilets is discussed in the Smarter Workplaces Equality Impact Assessment summary, it also outlines the communication and engagement channels the programme uses:
https://www.gov.scot/publications/smarter-workplaces-equality-impact-assessment-summary/pages/2/
The rationale behind the introduction of gender neutral toilets as part of the Smarter Workplaces Programme is set out on page 77 of the Equality Outcomes and Mainstreaming Report 2017:
https://www.gov.scot/publications/equality-outcomes-mainstreaming-report-2017/
Under section 25 (1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is reasonably accessible to you.
How many single sex toilets have been replaced in the respective buildings:
Gender neutral toilet facilities have been introduced in two Scottish Government buildings through the Smarter Workplaces Programme.
In Victoria Quay, Edinburgh the following changes have been made to the toilet facilities:
3rd Floor – 13 gender neutral WC’s (9 new and 4 conversions from single sex WC’s)
2nd Floor – 16 gender neutral WC’s (12 new and 4 conversions from single sex WC’s)
In 5 Atlantic Quay, Glasgow the following changes have been made to the toilet facilities:
1st Floor – 12 gender neutral WC’s, all conversions from single sex WC’s.
Ground Floor – 12 gender neutral WC’s, all conversions from single sex WC’s.
How many more gender neutral toilets are planned:
In Victoria Quay, Edinburgh through the refurbishment of the 1st Floor there are plans to introduce 16 gender neutral WC’s (12 new and 4 conversions from single sex WC’s).
Other than the first floor of Victoria Quay there are currently no plans to introduce gender neutral toilets, however the introduction of gender neutral toilets will be fully considered as we upgrade and maintain buildings. This approach is outlined in the attached pdf email from the Director of Communications, Ministerial Support and Facilities.
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Contact
Please quote the FOI reference
Central Enquiry Unit
Email: ceu@gov.scot
Phone: 0300 244 4000
The Scottish Government
St Andrews House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
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