Skip to main content
Story

Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Code of Practice comes into effect

Artwork which are colours of black, white and off white.
  • Written byStudent Communications
  • Published date 13 August 2026
Artwork which are colours of black, white and off white.
Image credit: 2024 Postgraduate Show, London College of Fashion, UAL | Photograph: Ana Blumenkron

The UK Government has approved the EHRC Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations which then came into effect on 5 August.

However, the Government is giving organisations time to understand and comply with the code.

There is no change to all our current arrangements, including toilet facilities and changing rooms.

The code is part of the Equality Act 2010 Code of Practice that covers the nine protected characteristics named under the Equality Act 2010 such as disability, age and sex. It has been updated to take account of legal changes. The most significant change relates to the ruling in April 2025 by the Supreme Court which set out that sex means biological sex for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010. The case also noted that the Act continues to prohibit discrimination on the grounds of gender reassignment and affirmed that trans people are still protected by the Act.

The Code of Practice provides legally accurate, impartial and up-to-date guidance on how the Equality Act 2010 applies to services, public functions and associations so as well as universities it applies to cafes, leisure centres, and many more public spaces. It aims to ensure people are not discriminated against, harassed or victimised in relation to all nine protected characteristics. So, it gives advice on the lawful provision of separate or single-sex services in the context of protecting all characteristics.

Teams across the University are carefully reviewing the code so we can get a clear understanding of what, if any, practical implications it may have. We want to reassure students that UAL is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and that we are committed to working with Arts SU to understand and address the impact, if any, for our community.

We recognise that this may be an uncertain and concerning time for our trans and non-binary community.

We believe that diversity strengthens us and we will continue to protect the rights of all students. Within our community, there will be a range of views and we all need to treat each other with respect, including where different views are held.  Our Code of Practice on Freedom of Expression sets out our values and approach on both freedom of speech and academic freedom.

Everyone at UAL has the right to study in an environment free from bullying and harassment. If you experience bullying or harassment, we can provide support to you. If you see or experience it, please report it through Tell Someone – our confidential reporting tool. Support is also available from the Student Counselling Service.

We will post further updates when more information becomes available but, in the meantime, please be reassured there are no changes to the Student Diversity policy or to the use of toilet facilities across UAL. All students and visitors are welcome to use the gender-neutral toilets. Where gendered facilities are available, individuals are free to use the ones that align with their gender identity and expression. Students and visitors who prefer single-sex facilities should use the gender-neutral options available at every site across our campuses.

If you have questions or concerns Student Services are here to support you.

This story updates the news on the draft code of practice published on 16 June 2026.