{"id":1161,"date":"2026-05-22T08:51:23","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T08:51:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\/?p=1161"},"modified":"2026-05-22T08:51:24","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T08:51:24","slug":"understanding-the-new-draft-equality-act-code-of-practice-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\/index.php\/2026\/05\/22\/understanding-the-new-draft-equality-act-code-of-practice-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding the New Draft Equality Act Code of Practice (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The UK Government and the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) have published a new draft Code of Practice for services, public functions, and associations under the Equality Act 2010.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This matters because the Code explains <strong>how organisations should apply equality law in practice<\/strong> \u2014 including schools, colleges, councils, charities, businesses, leisure providers, and membership organisations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What is this Code?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Code is official guidance designed to help organisations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>understand their legal duties<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>avoid discrimination<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>make reasonable adjustments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>apply equality law consistently<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>support courts in interpreting the law<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although it is guidance rather than primary legislation, courts can take it into account in legal cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>To whom does it apply?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The draft Code applies to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>public services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>local authorities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>charities and voluntary organisations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>shops, restaurants, and hotels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>healthcare providers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sports and leisure facilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>associations and clubs with 25+ members<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>organisations delivering public functions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It also applies to services delivered online, including websites. <strong><br><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The 9 Protected Characteristics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Equality Act protects people from discrimination linked to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>age<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>disability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>gender reassignment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>marriage and civil partnership<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>pregnancy and maternity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>race<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>religion or belief<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sex<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sexual orientation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, this Code does <strong>not<\/strong> cover marriage and civil partnership protections in services\/public functions contexts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Change: Single-Sex Services and \u201cBiological Sex\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Much of the public discussion focuses on updated guidance following a UK Supreme Court ruling about how \u201csex\u201d is interpreted under the Equality Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What the draft guidance says<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The draft Code states that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>single-sex services can lawfully operate based on biological sex<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>organisations may exclude trans people from some single-sex spaces where this is proportionate and justified<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>providers should still consider dignity, safety, and alternative arrangements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>gender-neutral or mixed facilities may help reduce exclusion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Examples discussed publicly include toilets, changing rooms, refuges, healthcare settings, and leisure facilities. <strong><br><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why is this controversial?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Different groups have responded very differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some organisations say the guidance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>provides clearer legal direction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>protects single-sex services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>reflects the Supreme Court ruling accurately<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Others argue the Code:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>could increase exclusion for trans people<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>may create confusion in public settings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>risks inconsistent implementation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>could negatively impact dignity and belonging<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There has also been strong public reaction online and across equality organisations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Important Reminder: Trans People Still Have Legal Protection<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Equality Act still protects people with the protected characteristic of gender reassignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That means organisations must still:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>prevent harassment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>avoid victimisation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>avoid unlawful discrimination<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>consider inclusive and proportionate approaches<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Code does <strong>not<\/strong> remove all protections for trans people. <strong><br><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Disability and Reasonable Adjustments Still Matter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Code also reinforces duties around disability inclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Organisations must continue to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>make reasonable adjustments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>remove barriers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>consider accessibility proactively<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>adapt services where appropriate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This includes physical spaces, communication methods, and digital services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Positive Action is Still Allowed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The draft guidance confirms organisations can still take <strong>proportionate positive action<\/strong> to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>reduce disadvantage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>meet different needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>increase participation for underrepresented groups<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This remains an important part of equality work. <strong><br><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What Should Organisations Be Doing Now?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Review Policies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check policies linked to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>inclusion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>toilets\/changing rooms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>safeguarding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>complaints<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>accessibility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>equality impact assessments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Train Staff<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Staff need confidence to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>respond appropriately<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>manage sensitive conversations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>understand protected characteristics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>reduce discrimination risks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Avoid \u201cOne Size Fits All\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Code repeatedly refers to <strong>proportionate<\/strong> and <strong>context-specific<\/strong> decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Blanket approaches may create legal risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Keep Inclusion Central<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Legal compliance should not come at the expense of dignity, respect and belonging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good organisations will balance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>legal obligations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>psychological safety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>accessibility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>practical implementation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>human impact<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><br><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why This Matters for Leaders<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This draft Code is likely to affect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>HR teams<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>governors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>trustees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>senior leaders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>EDI leads<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>colleges and schools<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>charities and public services<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leaders will need clear communication, careful implementation, and ongoing review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new draft Code is one of the most significant updates to Equality Act guidance in years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It reinforces that equality law is complex and requires organisations to balance rights carefully, thoughtfully, and lawfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For many organisations, the challenge now is not simply \u201cwhat is legal?\u201d \u2014 but also:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHow do we create environments that are lawful, safe, respectful and inclusive for everyone?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read the full draft Code here: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/equality-act-2010-draft-code-of-practice-for-services-public-functions-and-associations-2026\/equality-act-2010-draft-code-of-practice-for-services-public-functions-and-associations-2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GOV.UK Draft Code of Practice<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Further coverage: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/society\/2026\/may\/21\/what-is-the-updated-ehrc-code-of-practice-about-and-how-does-it-apply-equalities-watchdog?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Guardian explainer<\/a> &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/14\/ehrc-supreme-court-ruling-gender-transgender?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EHRC guidance coverage<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"804\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-1-804x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1162\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-1-804x1024.jpg 804w, https:\/\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-1-236x300.jpg 236w, https:\/\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-1-768x978.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-1.jpg 946w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 804px) 100vw, 804px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Top of Form<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bottom of Form<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The UK Government and the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) have published a new draft Code of Practice for services, public functions, and associations under the Equality Act 2010. This matters because the Code explains how organisations should apply equality law in practice \u2014 including schools, colleges, councils, charities, businesses, leisure providers, and membership [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1161","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-social-justice-and-advocacy-2"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Understanding the New Draft Equality Act Code of Practice (2026) - Equality and Diversity UK Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\/index.php\/2026\/05\/22\/understanding-the-new-draft-equality-act-code-of-practice-2026\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Understanding the New Draft Equality Act Code of Practice (2026) - Equality and Diversity UK Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The UK Government and the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) have published a new draft Code of Practice for services, public functions, and associations under the Equality Act 2010. This matters because the Code explains how organisations should apply equality law in practice \u2014 including schools, colleges, councils, charities, businesses, leisure providers, and membership [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\/index.php\/2026\/05\/22\/understanding-the-new-draft-equality-act-code-of-practice-2026\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Equality and Diversity UK Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-05-22T08:51:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-05-22T08:51:24+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"946\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1205\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Alyson Malach\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Alyson Malach\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/22\\\/understanding-the-new-draft-equality-act-code-of-practice-2026\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/22\\\/understanding-the-new-draft-equality-act-code-of-practice-2026\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Alyson Malach\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/1b4d93e7bb7b9d019c28bbaad71703b1\"},\"headline\":\"Understanding the New Draft Equality Act Code of Practice (2026)\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-05-22T08:51:23+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-22T08:51:24+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/22\\\/understanding-the-new-draft-equality-act-code-of-practice-2026\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":703,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/22\\\/understanding-the-new-draft-equality-act-code-of-practice-2026\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/image-1-804x1024.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Legal matters\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/22\\\/understanding-the-new-draft-equality-act-code-of-practice-2026\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/22\\\/understanding-the-new-draft-equality-act-code-of-practice-2026\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/22\\\/understanding-the-new-draft-equality-act-code-of-practice-2026\\\/\",\"name\":\"Understanding the New Draft Equality Act Code of Practice (2026) - 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