On 16 April 2025, the UK Supreme Court issued a ruling setting out the definition of the terms ‘woman’, ‘man’ and ‘sex’ for the purposes of the 2010 Equality Act, at the same time confirming the legal protections for transgender people in respect of discrimination and harassment under that Act. The UK government has accepted the ruling, acknowledging that it awaits further guidance and a code of practice from the Equality and Human Rights Commission. On 25 April 2025, the EHRC shared an interim update on the practical implications of the ruling and we expect more statutory and non-statutory guidance to follow.
We recognise the impact the ruling may have on how Trans and Non-Binary members of our community are feeling. In the days following the Court’s decision, colleagues in the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team contacted our EDI champions and equality network leads with a reminder of available sources of support for anyone who may need to access it at this time.
Any practical implications in applying the ruling to our facilities and activities are not yet clear and along with other universities, we now need to wait for more detailed guidance. As such, there are no immediate changes to any University policies. We understand that our community may have many questions and at this stage we do not have all the answers but we will keep you informed. We will also continue to meet and work with our staff equality networks and with the Guild of Students, to understand any questions, areas of uncertainty and concerns they want to raise.
Just like in the rest of society, there will be a broad range of opinions within our own community about this case and these should always be expressed with respect and tolerance for other viewpoints. It is worth noting that the Supreme Court Judges cautioned that their decision should not be seen as a victory of one side over another. As an institution, our fundamental commitment is to the wellbeing of all our staff and students. Our University is a proudly diverse, welcoming and inclusive environment for anyone who chooses to study or work here. We expect every member of our community to uphold these values. We do not tolerate bullying, harassment and discrimination of any kind.
As we await further guidance, the University will continue to uphold the law, as we are required to do, and we will do so with support and compassion.
Support services
If you are feeling impacted and need support, the following services are available:
- Staff can access free advice and counselling from our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Students can access a range of support from Student Services
- If any staff or students experience bullying or harassment, they can report this – anonymously if preferred – via Report + Support.
- Staff or students who have concerns about safety can download the SafeZone app or can request a chaperone to escort them around campus.
The University also has the following networks and societies:
- The Trans & Nonbinary Peer Support Network– for staff and postgraduate students.
- The LGBTQIA+ Network– for staff and postgraduate students.
- The LGBT+ Society for all students
A full list of staff networks and groups is available at https://staff.liverpool.ac.uk/our-workplace-and-community/