Nottingham college on the impact the EHRC ruling

Rebecca Butcher, Assistant Principal of Student Services and Support, Nottingham College

Earlier this year, the Equalities and Human Rights Commission ruled that organisations covered by the Equalities Act must treat “sex” based provisions based on biological sex and not on legal or acquired sex.

This isn’t going to be a quick change. Like all sectors in education, we must act with thought, follow clear guidance, and ensure that every decision aligns with principles of accessibility and dignity. Our goal is to make every student, staff member, and visitor feel welcome while carefully managing sensitivities and differing opinions across our community and maintaining a safe and respectful environment for everyone. We also recognise the financial and time pressures that come with implementing these changes and we are approaching this work with realism and care.

Nottingham College has already taken proactive steps to move forward. Initial meetings have taken place with key staff from ELT, Estates, People Services, and Inclusion and Support to identify priorities and quick wins. We have also met with our AoC colleagues to understand how other colleges are responding to these developments. As expected, there is wide-ranging discussion and debate across the sector, as we all share the same commitment to support our students and staff in the best way possible.

The team has already made strong progress, conducting a full audit of all facilities to identify areas for improvement. Inclusive signage has been updated where needed. The EDI Committee which includes representation from across the College will continue to review this work regularly, ensuring that every voice is heard and considered.

Student voice will be central to this process. The Enrichment Team and Pastoral Tutors will facilitate safe, sensitive, and respectful discussions to ensure that our approach reflects the lived experiences and perspectives of our learners. Policies will also be updated to reflect inclusive principles and legal obligations.

Change of this kind takes time, but Nottingham College already operates within a strong ethos of nurturing, inclusivity, and respect. These values will continue to guide us as we shape an environment where everyone regardless of gender identity or background can learn, work and thrive with dignity.

We are not just responding to change, we are leading it building a college community where inclusion isn’t an initiative but a lived reality for all