Media statement on our equality and diversity policy

A statement from Denise Wilson (Chair of Trustees), Felicity Oswald (CEO) and Tracy Foster (Chief Guide):

Following April’s Supreme Court ruling relating to sex and gender, many organisations across the country have been facing complex decisions about what it means for girls and women and for the wider communities affected.

Following detailed considerations, expert legal advice and input from senior members, young members and Girlguiding’s Council, the Board of Trustees for Girlguiding has reached the difficult decision that going forward membership of Girlguiding will be restricted to girls and young women, as defined in the Equality Act (2010). From today (2 December) trans girls and young women, and others not recorded female at birth, will no longer be able to join Girlguiding as new young members. There will be no immediate changes for current young members, but more information will be shared next week.

Girlguiding believes strongly in inclusion, and we will continue to support young people and adults in marginalised groups. Over the next few months, we will explore potential ways to champion this value. A new taskforce will look at ways to do this, in partnership with members.

While Girlguiding may feel a little different going forward, these core aims and principles will always endure and we remain committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect, particularly those from marginalised groups that have felt the biggest impact of this decision.

Background information:

• Our equality and diversity policy for existing members
• Most adult roles, including unit helpers, district helpers and administrative support, are already open to all, so we are confident that no volunteers will have to leave the organisation.
• We will share more information about the application of the new policy and the future of Girlguiding over the coming months.