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Code of practice for services, public functions and associations handed to Minister for Women and Equalities
Friday 5 September 2025 |
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We have submitted our updated code of practice for services, public functions and associations to the Minister for Women and Equalities for approval. | | | Read today’s announcement on the updated code of practice | | Why we updated the code of practice
There have been significant changes in legislation and case law since the code of practice was published in 2011, including the UK Supreme Court ruling on the meaning of sex in the Equality Act in April 2025.
While we do not make the law itself, as Britain's independent equality regulator it is our job to provide expert advice on how to put the Equality Act into practice.
About the consultation
We ran a comprehensive consultation process that began in autumn 2024, where we asked how we could make the guidance clearer. Through the consultation process, we heard a range of views from over 50,000 organisations, legal professionals and individuals across England, Scotland and Wales. Thank you to everyone who took part.
We have analysed the responses with robustness, accuracy and speed, to produce guidance that provides clarity on their legal obligations. | | | Read more about the consultation | | Next steps
The UK government will now consider the guidance. It is also responsible for progressing it through parliamentary approval. The Minister must lay the draft code before Parliament for 40 days before it can be brought into force. The government will choose when to start this process.
Once it has been brought into force, we will publish it on our website.
The code will then have legal status as the guide on how service providers, associations and public functions can meet the duties set out in the Equality Act 2010. |
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