Update following changes to our equality and diversity policy

Following the Supreme Court decision relating to sex and gender, we had to make the difficult decision in December 2025 that trans girls and young women would no longer be able to join Girlguiding. We also made a commitment to keep our current affected members updated on what the policy change means and what the next steps are.

Girlguiding is a youth organisation for girls and young women. We exist to empower girls and young women and help create a more equal world. Our values and beliefs have not changed. We remain committed to standing up for the rights, safety and dignity of all girls and women, and to supporting marginalised communities, including our LGBTQ+ members, to improve the lives of girls.

We must operate lawfully and follow our governing charity documents, which affect how our membership eligibility is defined. Although living by our values cannot change our legal responsibilities, it does shape how we treat everyone, how we speak about people, the culture we create, and the future we’re working towards.  

Who is affected by the change

• Current young members who are trans girls or trans young women.
• Trans girls and trans women in volunteer roles open to women only.

Trans boys and trans men, and non-binary people assigned female at birth are not affected by the change. They can remain or join as members and continue to be part of Girlguiding in the same way.

What is changing for current young members who are trans girls or trans young women 

Following this policy change, we are not able to offer membership to trans girls in our youth sections (Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and young leaders). This means current young members who are trans girls or trans young women can stay with Girlguiding until 6 September 2026, and they will leave Girlguiding by 6 September. We have chosen this date to give as much notice as possible, so all current members are able to take part in activities during the summer term and over the summer holidays.

This timeframe allows affected members and their families time to plan, prepare, access support, and decide when – between now and September – they feel ready to leave. It also reflects feedback from our volunteers and members. Our intention throughout is to act with kindness, care and respect. 

What is changing for volunteers who are trans girls or trans women 

We are not able to offer volunteer roles that are open to women only, to trans women. Any trans girl or trans woman who is currently volunteering in a role open to women only will need to move to a role open to everyone by 6 September 2026. For the purposes of membership, and in line with the Equality Act 2010, girl and woman refer to those whose sex at birth is female. Clear guidance for volunteers affected by this change is on our support page.  

What support is available

We will be holding optional support calls with all members and commissioners to talk through the changes. These sessions will be a space to learn more and ask questions. Check your inbox for the dates and links to register.

Please see our updated support page for:

• Speaking to young people, parents or carers, and volunteers about this change.
• Supporting anyone who’s leaving Girlguiding.
• Support organisations.
• Questions you may have. 

If you are a young person, or a parent or carer worried about a young person and their mental health, Girlguiding has worked with YoungMinds who are prepared to offer tailored support. Support is available via the contact details on their website.   

Our internal Girlguiding support team, which has experienced safeguarding and wellbeing staff and volunteers, is here to provide any additional support and to help with questions. You can reach them at [email protected].  

We recognise that everyone is individual and so may have different needs for support. We’ll listen to those and will think carefully about how to meet them. 

Our ongoing commitment to inclusion

Since 2025, we have been engaging with the government on its support for charities and organisations navigating the impact of the Supreme Court's decision. We want the forthcoming Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) guidance to be clear, workable and informed by the voices of young people and volunteering organisations, to ensure that the wellbeing of all girls remains at its heart. 

Although our membership approach has changed, our belief in dignity, respect and inclusion has not. We will continue to work towards a fairer, more equal world for every girl. 

Denise Wilson, Chair of the Board of Trustees 
Tracy Foster, Chief Guide 
Felicity Oswald, CEO