Support following changes to our equality and diversity policy
This information is for volunteers, parents and carers
On 2 December 2025 we made changes to our equality and diversity policy. We recently shared what the policy change means for current members.
We know this change will affect people in different ways, and there may be a range of opinions and emotions. This page offers guidance on having conversations with young people, parents or carers, and other volunteers, as well as supporting anyone who wants to change roles or chooses to leave Girlguiding. Please use the guidance in whatever way feels right for your unit or setting.
If you are a young person, or an adult 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].
Support for members who are affected by the change
Following this policy change, some members may leave or change their role in Girlguiding.
- 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 are not able to offer volunteer roles that are open to women only, to trans women. Trans women who are currently volunteering in a role open to women only will need to move to one that is open to everyone on or before 6 September.
- 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.
Members who need to leave or change their role in Girlguiding will need to do this by 6 September 2026. What they do depends on their role and personal circumstances.
As a volunteer, it’s important to remember that people will decide for themselves what they need to do.
If you don’t know the reason why someone is leaving or changing their role, remember there’ll be many reasons for changes like this, and not all will be related to the changes in Girlguiding’s equality and diversity policy. It’s important not to presume anything about anyone’s gender identity or ask them to explain their reasons why.
If a young member is leaving Girlguiding
If a young member is a trans girl or young woman, they and their parents or carers will decide when they choose to leave Girlguiding, on or before 6 September 2026.
You may find yourself having conversations with them or with other young people in your unit about it. Your kindness, care and understanding can help make sure the young person continues to feel respected and supported during their time in guiding.
Supporting the young person
While the young person is still part of the unit, you can help make sure they continue to feel welcome and included.
- Continue to include them in activities and treat them as you would any other member of the unit.
- Follow the young person and their parent’s or carer’s lead if they want to talk about leaving. Some young people may want to talk about it, others may not.
- Let them know they’ve been a valued part of the unit and that you’re glad they’ve been involved.
Supporting friendships
For many young people, guiding is also where they spend time with friends.
- If the young person would like to, you can help them think about how they might want to say goodbye to their friends.
- Some young people may prefer to speak to friends themselves, while others may appreciate a little help from a leader.
- Where families are comfortable, friendships made in guiding can continue outside of meetings.
Recognising their time in guiding and saying goodbye
If the young person and their family are comfortable, you may want to recognise the time they’ve spent in the unit.
- This could be as simple as acknowledging their achievements or the contribution they’ve made to the group.
- Some units may choose to share messages, memories or photos from their time in guiding.
- Try to follow what feels right for the young person and their family.
If other young members in your unit ask questions
Other young members may notice when someone stops coming to meetings or leaves the unit.
- You must not share personal information about the young person.
- Keep explanations simple and focus on kindness and respect.
- You could say: ‘Sometimes people move on from guiding for different reasons. We’re really glad they were part of our unit and we wish them well.’
If the young person and their family have shared how they’d like this explained, try to follow their wishes.
If young people already know or think they know why someone is leaving, you can acknowledge this. For example: ‘What matters most is that everyone is treated with kindness and respect. We’re grateful for the time they spent with our unit.’
If a volunteer is changing role or leaving Girlguiding
If a volunteer is changing their role, signpost them to our webpage on volunteer roles in guiding, which has information on all our volunteer roles. You can find information on how to change a volunteer’s role in the GO help files.
If a volunteer is leaving, think about the most appropriate way to thank them for everything they’ve done and let them know they’d be welcome to volunteer in the future. You might want to talk to them about how they’d like to recognise their time or say goodbye – let them take the lead on this.
Speaking to parents and carers about this change
Girlguiding will be letting all parents and carers know about what this change means for our current young members. So there’s no expectation of you as a volunteer to keep parents and carers informed of this.
Some parents or carers may have questions for you. It’s okay not to have all the answers. If it’s helpful, you can remind them this was a decision made by Girlguiding’s board of trustees, and signpost them to our update for more information on what’s happening. And if you feel able to listen to other people’s feelings on this, here is some guidance to support conversations.
- If you can, find a quiet place to talk so you’re not overheard. If you can’t, suggest having a chat outside of the unit meeting place and time, once the girls have gone home.
- Don’t feel pressured to answer everything. But you can listen.
Here are some phrases you might find useful to help manage conversations:
- ‘It’s okay to feel how you feel. We’re all processing it.’
- ‘I’ve only just seen the update too, and I don’t want to guess. Girlguiding has let parents and carers know by email (and via letter for parents and carers of Rangers and young leaders). Or you can check the website to find out more - there’ll be a list of answers to questions.’
- ‘I’m sorry, I don’t have the answer to your question. But you can email [email protected].’
- ‘I don’t want to give you the wrong information.’
- ‘I can’t speak for the decision, but I hear you.’
Speaking to volunteers about this change
As a commissioner or volunteer supporting other volunteers, you might have a range of viewpoints in your area. Please continue to look after yourself and be aware of others’ feelings.
Do:
- Continue to treat everyone in Girlguiding fairly, with dignity and respect, in line with our code of conduct.
- Ask if you need support by emailing [email protected]. 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: [email protected].
- Respect people’s privacy and keep what they share confidential, unless you’re concerned about a risk of harm. If that happens, please follow our safeguarding procedure.
Speaking to young people about this change
It can be hard to know how to speak to young people about this change. This guidance is here to support conversations with a child if you need it.
The girls in your unit may want to talk about this, and this support will help you if they do. Remember you don’t have to have all the answers, and you don’t have to have a conversation if it doesn’t feel right - it’s up to the girls in your unit and you.
Sometimes who we are on the outside matches who we are on the inside. But sometimes it doesn’t, and that’s okay. For some people who are transgender, the gender they identify with inside is different from the one they were assigned at birth. Girlguiding has rules it must follow, just like we have our promise and law. Right now, those rules say only people who were born as girls can join. So even if someone who was born as a boy identifies as a girl inside, they are a trans girl. And if they’re in Rangers, they’ll need to leave by 6 September this year.
We know that’s hard to hear, and this wasn’t an easy decision. The people who look after Girlguiding, called the board of trustees, had to follow the law. The Supreme Court (the highest court in the United Kingdom) has ruled that the Equality Act (a law aimed at stopping discrimination and promoting equality) defines ‘girl’ and ‘woman’ by sex at birth. Because of this ruling, Girlguiding has to follow those rules.
If you feel sad or confused about this decision, and have questions, that’s okay, we can talk about it.
Sometimes how we look on the outside and how we feel on the inside match. But sometimes they don’t and that’s okay! Some people identify with a different gender inside than the one they were born with. That’s called being transgender.
Just like we have our Guide promise and Guide law, Girlguiding has rules it must follow. Right now, those rules say only people who were born as girls can be part of Guides. So even if someone identifies as a girl inside, they will be able to be part of Guides now and through the summer, but by the beginning of September they won’t be able to be part of Guides anymore.
This was a difficult decision made by the people who look after Girlguiding, called the board of trustees. They had to follow the court ruling, which says that ‘girl’ and ‘woman’ are defined by sex at birth.
This doesn’t mean we don’t support trans people. We still want to be allies and show kindness, and we’re working on what that looks like moving forward.
If you feel sad or confused about this decision, and have questions, that’s okay, we can talk about it.
Sometimes how we look on the outside and how we feel on the inside match. But sometimes they don’t and that’s okay! Some people identify as a different gender inside than the one they were born with. That’s called being transgender.
Just like we have our Brownie promise and the Brownie law, Girlguiding has rules and laws to follow. The people who make the rules for Girlguiding have said that, for now, only people who were born as girls can be in Brownies. A court has said that the law has changed, and Girlguiding has to follow that law. So even if someone identifies as a girl inside, they will be able to be part of Brownies now and through the summer, but by the beginning of September they won’t be able to be part of Brownies anymore.
We know this might feel sad or confusing and we understand that you might have questions, we can talk about it. And we’ll keep being kind, caring and helpful just like our Brownie promise says.
Sometimes, how we look on the outside and how we feel on the inside match. But sometimes they don’t and that’s okay! When someone identifies differently inside than what their body shows outside, that’s called being transgender.
In Girlguiding, we have rules, just like in our Rainbow promise. The people who make the rules for Girlguiding have said that now only people born as girls can be in Rainbows. So even if someone identifies as a girl inside, they will be able to be part of Rainbows now and through the summer, but by the beginning of September they won’t be able to be part of Rainbows anymore.
We know this might feel sad or confusing, and that’s okay. You might have questions or want to talk about how you feel. We can talk about that. And we’ll keep being kind and caring, just like our Rainbow promise says.
Support organisations
If you are a young person, or an adult 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.
Here is a list of expert and specialised organisations who have also agreed to provide support for issues relating to trans+ youth, mental health and wellbeing:
- Gendered Intelligence – is a trans-led and trans-involving charity that works to increase understandings of gender diversity and improve the lives of trans people.
- Mermaids - supports transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse children and young people, as well as their families and professionals involved in their care.
- Mosaic Trust - an organisation which supports, educates and inspires young LGBTQ+ persons and those around them.
- Proud Trust - through regional youth work and national support services, empowers LGBTQ+ young people and the adults in their lives to create positive change for the future.
You could also check and share our guidance on supporting members with their mental health and wellbeing.
Questions about how this policy will work in practice
Girlguiding has already let all parents and carers know about what this change means for current young members. We are not asking volunteers to carry out any additional checks or ask questions. We have centrally updated our new joiner process to make it clear that Girlguiding young membership is open to girls and that for the purposes of membership and in line with the Equality Act 2010 this means those whose sex at birth is female. Volunteers will not need to ask questions or carry out any checks.
If you have questions about how this works in practice, contact [email protected] so we can support you to handle the situation appropriately and sensitively.
We trust Girlguiding volunteers. Girlguiding has a code of conduct that must be met by all members and volunteers. If someone chooses to stay in a role which they know they are no longer eligible for, then this would be reviewed and investigated as part of our normal complaints procedure.
We are not asking volunteers to carry out any additional checks. Girlguiding is committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect. We are communicating openly with parents and carers and have made it clear that trans girls can stay at Girlguiding until 6 September.
Girlguiding HQ will not be issuing refunds, however this could be done at a local level. Most units charge their subs weekly or termly, so members aren't asked to pay when they're not in guiding. Locally, if a unit charges the annual HQ subs fee in a lump sum in February, and feels it is appropriate to make a refund to a member, they are welcome to do so at a local level.
For units: any unit that faces financial challenges because of this policy change, for example refunding subscriptions or having to move venue, can apply to the UK units in need fund for a grant.
Questions about what this means for volunteers affected
Girlguiding has a wide range of volunteer roles which are open to everyone. We also have volunteer roles open to women only, and this means that in line with the Equality Act 2010 they are open to those whose sex at birth is female.
We are not able to offer volunteer roles that are open to women only, to trans women. Any trans woman or trans girl who is currently volunteering in a role available to women or girls only, will need to move to a role that is open to all volunteers 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. Trans boys and trans men, and non-binary people assigned female at birth, are not affected by the change and can continue to be part of Girlguiding in the same way.
Thank you for being part of Girlguiding. Details of all volunteer roles are listed on this page including which roles are open to everyone. To change roles please inform your local commissioner which role you would like to move to. You do not have to disclose why you are moving roles. Local commissioners should accept your request without asking why, but they may ask if you need any support changing roles or with the new role you move into. The local commissioner will make the change of role on the central system.
Try speaking to your local commissioner first for support. They will be able to help you create an action plan and explore all options to keep the unit open. If there is no other option but to close the unit, they will work with you to close the unit in the best possible way.
If you need more advice please contact [email protected] and we will help you to seek further advice from your regional or county teams. If the risk is related to funding there is a UK units in need fund which you can apply to.
Questions about what this means for young members affected
If a young member shares something about their gender identity, the most important thing is to listen, and respond with kindness, respect and care. If a young member is preparing to leave, you may find yourself having conversations with them or with other young people in your unit about it. Your kindness, care and understanding can help make sure the young person continues to feel respected and supported during their time in guiding. We have more guidance on supporting a young member who is leaving above.
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 trans girls and trans young women can stay with Girlguiding until 6 September 2026, and will not be able to attend Girlguiding events and activities after this date. Please contact [email protected] if you’re worried about someone directly impacted, or if you are facing a particular challenge about an event or activity planned for after 6 September.
We know our members will have a range of different reactions to this, and for some it will have a personal impact. If you're affected and would find support helpful, we're here and committed to providing it in the way that works best for you. Our internal Girlguiding team, which has experienced safeguarding and wellbeing staff and volunteers, is here to help. You can reach them at [email protected].
For units: any unit that faces financial challenges because of this policy change can apply to the UK units in need fund for a grant.
The young leader role is available to girls and young women who are under 18 only (in line with the Equality Act 2010, girl and woman refer to those whose sex at birth is female). If young leaders are working on an external award, such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, we are asking young leaders whose sex at birth is male to move to a young external volunteer role before the 6 September 2026.
The young external volunteer role remains open to everyone aged 13-18 who is working on an external award, such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
We are not able to offer the peer educator role to trans girls and trans young women. We do however have a range of volunteer roles for those aged 18 and over which are open to everyone. The external young volunteer role is also open to anyone aged 13-18 who is working on an external award, such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
The Queen's Guide award is open to young women aged 16-30 (in line with the Equality Act 2010, girl and woman refer to those whose sex at birth is female). Please contact [email protected] if you’re worried about someone directly impacted or if you are facing a particular challenge related to someone doing their Queen's Guide award after 6 September.
If you're comfortable, please do continue to have these conversations with young members, and if they raise it, take their lead. It's important to create a safe space where their views and feelings are respected. Volunteers are not expected to have the answers to all questions, but can always use their judgement to keep things general, light-touch, impartial (to respect all views) and age appropriate. Our core programme and activities are designed to be age-appropriate and you can use our guidance on speaking to young people (above) to support any conversations you have with a child in your unit.
You can find more information on supporting LGBTQ+ members here.
Questions about this update
For young members who are trans girls and 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 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.
For volunteers who are trans girls and trans women: we are not able to offer volunteer roles that are open to women only, to trans women. Current volunteers who are a trans woman or trans girl and volunteering in a role open to women only, will need to move to a role that is open to all volunteers by 6 September 2026.
Following the Supreme Court ruling relating to sex and gender we took extensive legal advice and considerations from our senior members, young members, and our Council. Girlguiding's Board of Trustees made the difficult decision in December 2025 that trans girls and young women would no longer be able to join Girlguiding. The decision is based on the current legal framework and advice, and like every charity we have to follow the law.
Our priority is the wellbeing of girls and our members. Since December we have been planning, taking specialist and legal advice to make sure that we can give our members the best information and support. We wanted 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.
We have chosen this date to give as much notice as possible, so all current young 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. Our intention throughout is to act with kindness, care and respect.
This support page will give you guidance on speaking to young people, parents and carers and volunteers about this change, as well as support for anyone leaving Girlguiding.
We know our members will have a range of different reactions to this, and for some it will have a personal impact. If you're affected and would find support helpful, we're here. Our internal Girlguiding team, which has experienced safeguarding and wellbeing staff and volunteers, is here to help. You can reach them at [email protected].
We recognise that everyone is individual and so may have different needs for support, and we will do our best to meet them.
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.
Questions about the change to our equality and diversity policy in December 2025
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.
We are advocating for clarity, fairness and dignity, and ensuring that the experiences of girls and young women are understood by those developing national policy.
The Royal Charter is the document that sets out how Girlguiding must be run. It’s the charity’s governing document, and it explains things like how many trustees there must be and what the council does. It tells Girlguiding how it must operate as a national charity, including the rules it must follow and how decisions are made. One of these rules is that Girlguiding beneficiaries are girls and young women. Changes to the Royal Charter are a decision reserved for Girlguiding’s Council.
We could explore updating the Charter with the Board of Trustees’ agreement, but it wouldn’t help with our current situation given the length of time it would take – which could be a period of years. Changing a royal charter is a formal process, involving the Privy Council. The Privy Council dates back to Norman times and is one of the oldest parts of Government.
The decision – to change our policy so Girlguiding could remain lawful - is now both our policy and a legal requirement. We believe in inclusion, and we will regularly review our policies as we always do. With all of our policies, if the law changes, and that change is important and related to a policy, we would review it in a timely manner.
Questions about our taskforce
The taskforce was set up to explore potential future opportunities for trans girls and trans women to connect with and be supported by Girlguiding, while operating within our equality and diversity policy. The taskforce won't seek to reverse the decision and is a safe space to explore new opportunities. It is important that we tell our current members about what the change to our policy means for them now. To reassure you, the work on the taskforce continues alongside it, and our members will continue to receive updates on its work.
The decision to change our policy in December 2025 was taken to ensure we remain lawful. The taskforce was established to explore potential future opportunities for trans girls and trans women to connect with and be supported by Girlguiding, while operating within our equality and diversity policy. It is important that we tell our current members about what the change to our policy means for them now. To reassure you, the work on the taskforce continues alongside it, and our members will continue to receive updates on its work.
The taskforce and panel have been progressing with their work exploring opportunities for trans girls and trans women to connect with and be supported by Girlguiding, while operating within our equality and diversity policy. The taskforce is a safe space to listen and explore what might be possible with a range of ideas, and its work is still ongoing. It won’t seek to reverse the policy change or make any big decisions about the future of Girlguiding. Read the latest updates from the taskforce and ideas they are discussing.