Equality Act Update

The UK government has acknowledged the Court’s decision and has indicated that it awaits further clarification and formal guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). On 25 April 2025, the EHRC released an interim update outlining some of the practical consequences of the ruling, with further statutory and non-statutory guidance expected in due course.

At Southampton Solent University, we remain firmly dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all members of our community. Our six pillars of Equality and Wellbeing outline the values we uphold and guide our commitment to ensuring fair treatment across the institution.

In response to the Court’s ruling and pending updated statutory EHRC guidance, we are currently reviewing our relevant policies and procedures to ensure they remain fully compliant. Where appropriate, we will keep staff and students informed of any updates or changes that may affect them.

We appreciate the discourse around the court ruling may have caused distress and would like to remind everyone that we are here to help you in a range of ways.

You can find out more about the support the university provides for transgender, transitioning and gender-questioning students in the respective policy here.

If you’re a student and require support, you can visit the Student Hub in person in the Spark or contact the team by emailing student.hub@solent.ac.uk or calling 02382015200. You can also contact the Students’ Union for support. If you experience or witness any incident of bullying, harassment or discrimination, you can report this via our Report + Support form.

We also recognise that this development may be impactful for our staff. Further information is provided below for any staff members who may require support or guidance.

The university provides a range of staff wellbeing resources that any staff member with concerns relating to this topic can to access to obtain appropriate help, guidance or support. This includes liaising with their Line Manager, their People & Development Business Partner, or contacting our Employee Assistance Programme, more details on these staff resources can be found here.

- Jim Irving, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Students and Governance