FOI request (FOIR-735008213)

Compliance with the Equality Act 2010 Staff and Training

Requested Tue 29 July 2025
Responded Wed 03 September 2025

I am writing to inquire whether you are fully compliant with the provisions of the Equality Act 2010, particularly in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling in For Women Scotland v. Scottish Government (UKSC16).

As you will be aware, the Supreme Court has ruled that the legal definition of woman, within the Equality Act, is based on biological sex. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) interim guidance confirmed that if facilities are provided for women these facilities are reserved for biological women.

I would be grateful if you could provide the following information.

1. Communication with Employees:

Please provide a copy of any communications to employees regarding the outcome of the Supreme Court judgement.

2. Communication with Employees:

Please provide copies of any communication to employees since 16 April 2025 that confirms that women's spaces and services provided by the Council are for female people and men’s spaces and services are for male people. If this has not been communicated to employees please state when this will be done.

3. Training and Awareness:

Please state what training is planned for employees to ensure their understanding of the legal principles outlined in the ruling, especially in relation to the distinction between sex and gender reassignment as outlined in the Equality Act 2010. If this training is to be provided by an external organisation, please give the name of the organisation.

4. Equality Impact Assessments:

Provide details of any specific training, either internal or provided by external organisations, to those producing Equality Impact Assessments to ensure EIAs are in line with the Equality Act 2010.

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Response

1. Information not held.

2. Information not held.

3. Information not held. This is not a request for recorded information.

4. Information not held. This is not a request for recorded information.

The Council acknowledges the Supreme Court’s clarification that 'sex' refers to biological sex and are currently reviewing our relevant policies and practices to ensure compliance with the ruling, including our responsibilities both as an employer and a service provider.

Whilst we await the publication of the revised statutory Code of Practice, we are taking appropriate legal advice to help inform this review and identify any immediate changes that are needed.