Statement for members on our equality and diversity policy
An update on our equality and diversity policy following the Supreme Court decision of April 2025
On 24 March 2026 we shared updated guidance about what this decision means for current members.
Following April’s Supreme Court decision 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.
Girlguiding’s governing charity documents set out that the membership and people who benefit from our organisation are girls and women. The Supreme Court ruled that girls and women are defined in the Equality Act 2010 by their biological sex at birth.
Following detailed considerations, expert legal advice and input from senior members, young members and our Council, the Board of Trustees for Girlguiding has made the difficult decision that Girlguiding must change, following the Supreme Court’s ruling.
From today, 2 December, it is with a heavy heart that we are announcing trans girls and young women will no longer be able to join Girlguiding. This is a decision we would have preferred not to make, and we know that this may be upsetting for members of our community.
There will be no immediate changes for current young members, but more information will be shared next week.
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.
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 opportunities to champion this value and actively support young people who need us.
A new taskforce will explore ways to support everyone and create new opportunities. Members of all ages are encouraged to contribute to this taskforce to help us shape a future organisation that is inclusive.
Girlguiding is proud to be the UK’s largest youth organisation dedicated to girls and is focused on creating an equal world for girls and young women. For over 100 years, we have been a welcoming space for all girls to have new experiences, support their communities, build friendships and grow their confidence.
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.
- In April, the Supreme Court made a decision about sex and gender.
- This decision affects many organisations, including Girlguiding.
- Girlguiding’s rules say our members are girls and women.
- The Supreme Court said that, in the Equality Act 2010, “girls and women” means people whose biological sex at birth is female.
- After careful thought, legal advice, and talking with members, Girlguiding’s Board of Trustees has made a difficult decision.
- From 2 December, trans girls and young women cannot join Girlguiding.
- We know this is upsetting for many people.
- Current young members will not see any immediate changes.
- More information about young members will be shared shortly.
- Most adult volunteer roles (like helpers and admin support) are already open to everyone.
- This means we believe no volunteers will have to leave.
- Girlguiding believes in inclusion.
- Girlguiding will keep supporting young people and adults in marginalised groups.
- Over the next few months, Girlguiding will look for new ways to show this commitment.
- A new taskforce will be set up.
- This group will explore how to support everyone and create new opportunities.
- Members of all ages can take part in shaping the future of Girlguiding.
- Girlguiding is the UK’s largest youth organisation for girls.
- For over 100 years, Girlguiding has given girls a safe space to try new things, help their communities, make friends, and grow in confidence.
- Girlguiding will feel different after this change.
- But Girlguiding’s core aims remain the same:
- To support girls and young women
- To treat everyone with dignity and respect.
- To stand by those most affected by this decision.
Shortened version:
- In April, the Supreme Court made a decision about sex and gender.
- This affects Girlguiding.
- Girlguiding’s rules say members are girls and women.
- The Court said “girls and women” means biological sex at birth.
- Girlguiding’s Board has decided:
- From 2 December, trans girls and young women cannot join.
- Current young members will not see changes right away.
- More information about young members will be shared shortly.
- Adult volunteer roles are open to everyone, so no volunteers will have to leave.
- Girlguiding believes in inclusion.
- A new taskforce will look at ways to support everyone.
- Members can help shape the future.
- Girlguiding will still focus on:
- Supporting girls and young women.
- Treating everyone with dignity and respect.
- Helping those most affected by this decision.
