Wednesday 03-06-2026 - 12:27

Last month, the government finally published the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) Draft Code of Practice. This comes following the Supreme Court judgement last year around the application of the Equality Act. At over 340 pages, it is a long and complex document. We realise how stressful this announcement, and the surrounding media attention that it has gathered, will be for some students and want everyone to know how committed we are to inclusion for all.

We recognise and stand in solidarity with our trans community. Trans rights are human rights, and the protection and support of any marginalized group is fundamentally important to us. Every single student at Bristol has the right to feel safe and to authentically be themselves. We will always be here to advocate for all students.

The publication is currently a draft code that has been laid before Parliament for a forty-day scrutiny period. We have been actively reviewing information and analysis from trusted sources for a number of months, and this will continue. 

We will keep supporting our student groups to remain as inclusive as possible and are always here to work through any concerns. We are reviewing the guidance and will be in touch with committees with relevant advice over the summer. 

For any students who have been impacted and would like support, we have listed some resources for you.

Helplines:

• Mermaids: 0808 801 0400 (13.00-20.30)
• Mindline Trans+: 0300 330 5468 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 20.30-23.00)
• Terrence Higgins Trust (THT): 0300 330 5468 (Mondays and Fridays, 20.00-00.00)
• Switchboard: 0800 011 9100 24/7.
• Gendered Intelligence: 0800 640 8046 (Monday 12:00-17:00; Tuesday 14:00-19:00; Wednesday 10:00-15:00; Thursday 12:00-17:00; Friday 10:00-15:00)
• Off The Record: 0808 808 9120 (Mon-Fri, 14:00-17:00)
• Trans Aid Bristol

Most of these services also have online or text based services. You can also contact the University Wellbeing Services.

Report and Support

There is support available for you if you have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment, bullying or violence. You can make a report to the University via Report and Support.