{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EScouts is open to all and welcomes trans, non-binary and gender diverse young people and volunteers.\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C/strong\u003EWe\u0027re committed to creating a movement where everyone feels welcome, respected and included. This page explains how we support trans inclusion while meeting our inclusion aims and legal responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003ETrans Inclusion for Scouts - Update July 2026\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn April 2025, the Supreme Court clarified that \u2018sex\u2019 under the Equality Act 2010 refers to biological sex.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has published a draft Code of Practice to outline requirements for organisations.\u202F\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EScouts remains committed to creating a movement where everyone feels safe, respected and included. This includes trans, non-binary and gender diverse young people and volunteers, while also recognising our responsibility to balance the rights, privacy, and dignity of all members in line with the Equality Act 2010.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis update should help answer the key questions seen across the movement. We\u2019re reviewing our wider policies to ensure they remain clear, lawful, and consistent with Scouts\u2019 values.\u202F\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn some circumstances, leaders will need to balance the rights, privacy, dignity and safety of all members, including those protected under the characteristics of sex and gender reassignment. Decisions should be made proportionately, sensitively and based on the individual circumstances. If you have any questions about supporting young people or volunteers, \u003Ca href=\u0022/contact-us/\u0022 title=\u0022Contact us\u0022\u003Eget in touch with the Support Centre\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EWe\u2019ll keep this guidance under review while we await any further guidance from the EHRC Code of Practice.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENo. Scouts is and will remain an inclusive movement which welcomes trans, non-binary and gender diverse young people and volunteers.\u202F\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOur \u003Ca href=\u0022/about-us/policy/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-policy/\u0022 title=\u0022Equality, diversity and inclusion policy\u0022\u003EEquality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy\u003C/a\u003E\u202Foutlines our commitment to creating a movement where everyone feels safe, respected, and included.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Does the ruling impact Scout Inclusion policies?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWe cater to a diverse range of young people ranging between the ages of 4 years and 25 years old. There\u2019s no single approach to sleeping arrangements in Scouts.\u202FWe understand there may be different accommodation and camping setup requirements for a number of different reasons and needs.\u202FWe outline in our policies that sleeping arrangements are decided on a case-by-case basis by leaders taking into account our strict safeguarding policies (including the \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safeguarding-code-of-conduct-for-adults-yellow-card/\u0022 title=\u0022Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults - Yellow Card\u0022\u003EYellow Card\u003C/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022 title=\u0022Risk assessments\u0022\u003Erisk assessments\u003C/a\u003E), accommodation constraints, \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safeguarding-in-the-programme/nights-away-and-safeguarding/\u0022 title=\u0022Nights Away and safeguarding\u0022\u003ENights Away guidance\u003C/a\u003E\u202Fand \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Equality Act 2010\u0022\u003EEquality Act 2010\u003C/a\u003E\u202Fobligations.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYoung people, parents, and carers should feel able\u202Fto express preferences about sleeping arrangements in a way that is safe and supportive. Implementation of our Nights Away guidance should not isolate or single out any one individual.\u202F\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome practical options to support our members feeling safe, welcome and included at Nights Away events may include:\u202F\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul style=\u0022margin-top: 0cm;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022 style=\u0022mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\u0022\u003EAll-gender tent or room options.\u202F\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022 style=\u0022mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\u0022\u003ESingle-occupancy options\u202Fmay be considered where they support individual needs privacy and dignity but should not be used in a way that isolates or singles out an individual.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022 style=\u0022mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\u0022\u003ECompartment tents with\u202Fseparate sleeping areas.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENot all the above options will be suitable for each situation and must be justified by leaders in line with our policies and guidance. These options can be used alongside single-sex accommodation options to help make sure everyone feels comfortable at Scouts.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","label":"How can I include trans people on Nights Away?\u202F"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EDecisions about facilities (such as toilets and changing rooms) should be made sensitively\u0026nbsp;and consider the\u202Fneeds, privacy, and wellbeing of\u202Fall members.\u202FTrans people should be supported\u202Fappropriately, in line with our safeguarding policies, the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safeguarding-code-of-conduct-for-adults-yellow-card/\u0022 title=\u0022Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults - Yellow Card\u0022\u003EYellow Card\u003C/a\u003E and the \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Equality Act 2010\u0022\u003EEquality Act 2010\u003C/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe EHRC has clarified that individuals should use labelled single-sex facilities that align to their biological sex. Leaders need to make arrangements for facilities to balance privacy, dignity, safeguarding, and inclusion for everyone involved. This does not mean that trans people should be treated less favourably.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo support the inclusion of trans and non-binary members we suggest:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul style=\u0022margin-top: 0cm;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022 style=\u0022mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\u0022\u003EWhere practical and appropriate, consider providing\u202Fsingle occupancy facilities that support the needs of all members.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022 style=\u0022mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\u0022\u003EUse venues with single,\u202Fself-contained\u202Ftoilet and shower\u202Fcubicles.\u202F\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022 style=\u0022mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\u0022\u003EWhere only multi-occupancy facilities are available, consider staggering shower and changing times\u202Fto maximise privacy.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022 style=\u0022mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\u0022\u003EProvide\u202Fsanitary waste disposal\u202Fbins in all\u202Ftoilets.\u202FCheck out\u202Four\u202F\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/managing-periods-on-nights-away-activities/\u0022 title=\u0022Managing periods on Nights Away activities\u0022\u003Eguidance on managing periods on Nights Away activities\u003C/a\u003E.\u202F\u202F\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022 style=\u0022mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\u0022\u003EUse\u202Fthe\u202F\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.nspcc.org.uk/advice-for-families/pants-underwear-rule/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022NSPCC\u2019s PANTS resources\u0022\u003ENSPCC\u2019s PANTS resources\u003C/a\u003E\u202Fto help younger sections\u202Funderstand privacy\u202Fand\u202Fboundaries.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022 style=\u0022mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\u0022\u003EIf you need advice, speak to your District Lead Volunteer, County Lead Volunteer or County Inclusion Lead, if you have one. If the situation is complex or you\u0027re unsure how to proceed, \u003Ca href=\u0022/contact-us/\u0022 title=\u0022Contact us\u0022\u003Econtact the Support Centre\u003C/a\u003E for further advice and support.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"What facilities should we provide?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIf a young person or volunteer tells you they\u0027re trans, be supportive, listen without judgement and respect their privacy. As with all interactions with young people, follow the \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safeguarding-code-of-conduct-for-adults-yellow-card/\u0022 title=\u0022Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults - Yellow Card\u0022\u003EYellow Card\u003C/a\u003E:\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul style=\u0022margin-top: 0cm;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022 style=\u0022mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\u0022\u003ERegardless of the content of the conversation our rules around not being alone with a child must be followed.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022 style=\u0022mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\u0022\u003EBe conscious that you could be the first person they have told.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022 style=\u0022mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\u0022\u003ECreate space to listen\u202Fto them, avoid making judgments or assumptions, and respond in a positive and supportive manner.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022 style=\u0022mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\u0022\u003EAsk\u202Fhow they\u2019d like to be addressed, including\u202Ftheir name and pronouns. They may ask you to use multiple sets of names and pronouns if they haven\u2019t shared their gender identity with others.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022 style=\u0022mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\u0022\u003EReassure them that you won\u2019t share this information with others (including volunteers, members, parents, and carers) without their permission, unless you have concerns for their welfare or safety. Doing so could not only be distressing for the individual but, may also be a breach of confidentiality and affect their trust in you and in Scouts.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022 style=\u0022mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\u0022\u003ELet them know that Scouts is an inclusive movement and they\u2019re welcome.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022 style=\u0022mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\u0022\u003ETake time to learn more and seek guidance to better support them.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EInformation about a member\u2019s trans identity should be kept confidential subject to our policies. It should only be shared with express permission or due to a relevant safeguarding concern. We suggest that Scout Leaders, Scout members, parents, and carers review our \u003Ca href=\u0022/about-us/policy/data-protection-policy/\u0022 title=\u0022Data Protection Policy\u0022\u003EData Protection Policy\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you are a parent, carer or Scout member who would like to discuss information of this nature then we suggest contacting a trusted Scout Leader or the Group Lead Volunteer.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf an individual insists that this information remains private and you\u0027re unsure about what to do, seek support locally from your County Lead Volunteer, District Lead Volunteer or County Inclusion Lead, if you have one, or \u003Ca href=\u0022/contact-us/\u0022 title=\u0022Contact us\u0022\u003Econtact the Support Centre\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"What if someone tells me they\u2019re trans? "},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EIf you\u0027re trans and you\u0027d like some support talk to your Volunteer Line Manager. If you don\u2019t feel able to talk to them, speak with another trusted volunteer. This might be a Group Lead Volunteer, County Lead Volunteer or District Lead Volunteer. You could also contact your County Inclusion Lead, if you have one. If you need support beyond this, \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/contact-us/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/contact-us/\u0022\u003Econtact the Support Centre\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"I\u0027m a trans volunteer, where can I get support?"}]},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/19969/scouts-at-pride.jpg","width":3936,"height":2624,"altText":"Scouts walking in a Pride march wearing rainbow neckers.","caption":"","link":null}]},{"items":[{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.gires.org.uk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGIRES\u003C/a\u003E is a UK wide organisation whose purpose is to improve the lives of trans and gender non-conforming people of all ages, including those who are non-binary and non-gender.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://switchboard.lgbt/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESwitchboard\u003C/a\u003E is a free and confidential support and information LGBTQIA\u002B helpline (telephone: 0300 330 0630)\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.diversityrolemodels.org/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EDiversity Role Models\u003C/a\u003E is a charity that actively seeks to embed inclusion and empathy in the next generation with a focus on education around trans issues.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.theproudtrust.org/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EThe Proud Trust\u003C/a\u003E is a life saving and life enhancing organisation that helps LGBT\u002B young people empower themselves, to make a positive change for themselves, and their communities.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://genderedintelligence.co.uk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGendered Intelligence\u003C/a\u003E is a trans-led charity that works to increase the understanding and acceptance of gender diversity to improve the lives of trans people in the UK.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.rainbow-project.org/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EThe Rainbow Project\u003C/a\u003E works to improve the physical, mental \u0026amp; emotional health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender people in Northern Ireland.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://belfasttrust.hscni.net/service/regional-gender-identity-service/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EBelfast Trust\u003C/a\u003E is a Regional Gender Identity Service at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Further information","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Check out our blog post","body":"","link":{"name":"LGBTQ\u002B volunteers in Scouts: Jackson and Astro","id":null,"url":"/news/2024/june/lgbtqplus-volunteers-in-scouts-jackson-and-astro/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#006ddf","title":"LGBTQ\u002B volunteers in Scouts: Jackson and Astro","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Visit Stonewall\u0027s website","body":"\u003Cp\u003ECheck out Stonewall\u0027s list of LGBTQ\u002B terms and definitions to learn more.\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Stonewall\u0027s list of LGBTQ\u002B terms and inclusive definitions","id":null,"url":"https://www.stonewall.org.uk/resources/list-lgbtq-terms","newWindow":false,"target":"_blank"},"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"LGBTQ\u002B terms and definitions","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"Find out more about supporting trans, non-binary and gender diverse young people and volunteers.","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"02 July 2024","reviewDate":"01/01/0001","redirectUrl":"","id":80208,"nodeName":"Trans and gender identity","title":"Trans and gender identity","type":"contentPage","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Trans and gender identity","headerSubTitle":"Find out more about supporting trans, non-binary and gender diverse young people and volunteers","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"006ddf","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"LGBTQ\u002B support","url":"/volunteers/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/lgbtqplus/","newWindow":false},{"caption":"","title":"Supporting trans volunteers through the joining journey","url":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/criminal-record-checks/supporting-trans-volunteers-with-criminal-record-checks/","newWindow":false}]},"subHeader":"Find out more about supporting trans, non-binary and gender diverse young people and volunteers.","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC84MDIwOCJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/lgbtqplus/trans-and-gender-identity/"}