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Written question asked by Suella Braverman (Reform UK) on Monday, 18 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. It was answered by Karin Smyth (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 July 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

NHS Trusts: Gender

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that NHS trusts consult staff and conduct equality impact assessments before making changes to workplace facilities that affect privacy, dignity or safety.

Answer

We expect National Health Service organisations to follow the law and implement the Supreme Court’s ruling in For Women Scotland Ltd v. The Scottish Ministers, and to take specialist legal advice where necessary.

The Supreme Court ruling made clear in law that single-sex spaces based on biological sex must be protected and my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has been clear that he expects all NHS providers to follow the law.

Now the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s Code of Practice for services, public functions, and associations has been laid in Parliament, NHS England is developing guidance, for instance regarding the provision and use of physical NHS staff facilities, which will be published in due course. This will advise employers on the approach they must take to ensure that their relevant policies are up to date and legally compliant.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
2032
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Staff Equality Gender Facilities NHS trusts Working conditions Impact assessments
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk