Inclusivity matters: an update from NTSU
At Nottingham Trent Students' Union, one of our core values is being inclusive.
We believe every student should feel heard, respected and able to be themselves, regardless of who they are or how they identify. That's why we want to make sure you're aware of proposed changes to equality guidance that could affect parts of student life.
What's happening?
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has published a draft updated Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations following the UK Supreme Court's ruling in the For Women Scotland case.
The Code is not yet in force. It is currently being considered by Parliament before any decision is made on whether it should become the official statutory guidance.
If approved, it would provide guidance on how organisations, including Students' Unions, universities and membership organisations, are expected to apply parts of the Equality Act 2010.
What could this mean?
If Parliament approves the draft Code, it could affect areas such as:
- Access to single-sex spaces and facilities.
- How some women's representation roles are structured.
- The operation of gender-specific societies and support groups.
- Participation in some competitive sports.
- How services relying on Equality Act exemptions are delivered.
Importantly, trans people remain protected under the Equality Act through the protected characteristic of gender reassignment, and protections against discrimination continue to apply.
At the same time, many LGBTQIA+ organisations, equality groups and Students' Unions have raised concerns about the potential impact the draft guidance could have on trans and non-binary people, particularly around inclusion, dignity and everyday participation in university life.
Our commitment
Regardless of the outcome of the parliamentary process, NTSU remains committed to creating a community where every student feels welcome, valued and able to belong.
We'll continue working closely with Nottingham Trent University, monitoring developments and making sure students' voices are represented as any future decisions are considered.
Want to make your voice heard?
The draft Code is currently being scrutinised by Parliament, meaning there is still an opportunity for MPs to raise objections before any decision is made.
Our new NTSU Executive Officer team strongly disagrees with the proposed Code and urges anyone who wishes to take action to support our trans students. We believe everyone should have the freedom to express themselves authentically and that the proposed Code risks undermining the dignity, inclusion and equality of trans and non-binary people. We will continue working with our trans students to ensure they feel safe, supported and represented.
The following campaign, organised by TransActual, Trans+ Solidarity Alliance and Scottish Trans, provides information about the draft Code and a template for those who wish to ask their MP to support its rejection.
Whatever your perspective, we ask everyone to engage respectfully and constructively in discussions around this issue.
Support is available
NTSU is a safe and inclusive space, open from 8am–6pm on weekdays and 10am–6pm at weekends. If you need someone to talk to, please come and speak to us.
Our independent Advice Service is available from 9am–4pm on weekdays for confidential advice and support.
You can also access a wide range of support services through Nottingham Trent University.
Join us at Notts Pride
More than ever, it's important that our community has spaces where people can come together, celebrate who they are and support one another.
On Saturday 25 July, NTSU and Nottingham Trent University will once again be marching together at Notts Pride 2026. Whether you're part of the LGBTQIA+ community, an ally, attending Pride for the first time, or simply want to stand alongside friends, we'd love you to join us.
📍 Meet: Tiger Beans Café, NTSU City Campus
🕥 Time: 10:45am, Saturday 25 July
Pride is a celebration of community, identity and belonging, and everyone is welcome.
