Meet, Jaye at CCS on Transgender Awareness Week
This Transgender Awareness Week, we are delighted to feature, Jaye Rickards, who has been out as a trans woman for two years. Jaye approached us about doing an article, and we decided to present her story as part of our "Meet CCS" series, an idea she was thrilled to be part of.
The first time I met Jaye was at Fellows House here in Andover. I won’t pretend she didn’t stand out in the group she was with. When I shared this memory with Jaye, she laughed and said, “When you’re 6’8 in high heels, you do get noticed!” I recall her greeting me with a warm, joyful “Hello! How are you doing?” Reflecting on this interaction, Jaye explained how she always tries to make an effort, adding, “It’s just about treating people as I would like to be treated.”
Although Jaye is relatively new to CCS, having joined just five weeks ago, she’s found the experience immensely positive so far. “It’s been really refreshing to work somewhere that feels so inclusive. I feel welcome, and people are valuing my input,” she shared.
Jaye brings a wealth of experience to the team as a Retrofit Quality Supervisor (Fabric) & Evaluator, drawing from her background working onsite in areas such as cavity wall insulation (CWI) and solar PV installation. With Retrofit being a relatively new industry, her hands-on knowledge has been invaluable in helping others. “It’s great to be able to use my experience to make a difference,” she said.
Jaye is optimistic about CCS’s future and excited to contribute to its journey. “I’m here for the long haul, I hope. It’s fascinating to see the rapid growth at CCS, so I'm thrilled to be part of it,” she said. Beyond the technical work, Jaye also values the social impact of CCS, particularly the improvements in quality of life for those in social housing. “Helping people make their homes more comfortable is incredibly rewarding,” she added.
Transgender Awareness Week
Transgender Awareness Week, held annually from 13th–19th November, aims to increase understanding of transgender people and the challenges they face.
For Jaye personally, she hasn’t been heavily involved with the LGBTQ+ community, as she says many trans people simply want to live a normal life. However, she believes Transgender Awareness Week is important, describing it as a positive initiative for CCS to highlight. “Raising awareness and building understanding is a good thing. Using someone’s correct pronouns makes a big difference,” Jaye explained.
If anyone is spoken to with their incorrect title, it would become annoying. That is magnified for transpeople and can be really hurtful.
Jaye understands that people will get it wrong and she will just politely remind you of the correct pronoun to use in future. So, don't hesitate to introduce yourself and strike up a conversation in fear of saying something wrong as that is counterproductive and you'd be missing out on an interaction with a very friendly person.
Jaye also pointed out that transgender has existed throughout human history. Despite how some areas of the media portray trans as a new trend or fad, there's plenty of evidence that the Romans had trans people and I doubt they were the first.
I think there are many messages to come out of Transgender Awareness Week, but I hope this article has shown that acceptance and understanding are all that is required.
About Jaye
What music genre do you most like to listen to?
Dance music. When I was at the age of going out, EDM was really hitting the mainstream and I love it.
What do you do outside of work? Any interesting hobbies or things you like to do or places you like to go?
I've been sailing since I was 5 years old. I'm sponsored by 2 companies and I used to be sponsored by ADIDAS. I've drifted away from it a bit over the past year or so. I feel CCS is giving me the stability to now get on with my life so I can return to the sport.
I don't know if CCS appreciates this, but this is not just a job. They've actually given me my life back.
I also like cycling both indoors and outdoors.
What is your favourite food?
I love Spanish food. I also love how social they are around their meals.
Favourite place to visit?
Seville in Spain.
Is there a dream destination that you’d like to visit in future?
It's linked to sailing. It would have to be Lake Garda.
Jaye’s story reminds us that understanding and acceptance go a long way. Her positivity and contributions at CCS are a testament to the value of inclusivity. Let’s continue fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Thanks to Jaye for taking the time to chat with me for this article. Work for CCS? You could be the subject of the next "Meet CCS" blog. Email me, Ian Pearson ian.pearson@correctcs.co.ukÂ
