The University has updated its Trans and Non-Binary Policy in line with the Supreme Court Ruling in April 2025.
Thank you again to everyone who took the time to share their views on this topic. The feedback we received was thoughtful, detailed and personal. It has helped us better understand the emotional and practical implications of the updates to the policy, and has informed several actions we’ve already taken, and will continue to take, to support our community.
Below we outline what you told us and what we’ve done in response:
How are students protected from discrimination while on placement?
We provide pre-placement guidance and checklists for students, outlining expectations, rights and reporting routes. We also have Support During Your Placement resources. If you experience inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour you are encouraged to use Report + Support; a confidential reporting tool.
How will the University prevent harassment and ensure safety for LGBTQIA+ students using facilities?
We’ve communicated clearly to both students and staff that no-one is expected to monitor or police the use of facilities. Discrimination in any form is not tolerated. We’ve outlined our community’s expectations, grounded in dignity, compassion and respect, and we ask everyone to actively uphold these values to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all.
You can use Report + Support if you do experience or witness inappropriate behaviour.
Are students able to use their chosen names?
Yes, students can continue to update their preferred name across university systems directly or with support from Information Points or Student Support Advisers.
How will accessible toilets be reassigned? Reassigning accessible toilets as gender-neutral reduces access for disabled people and risks outing trans individuals.
Only one accessible toilet has been temporarily reassigned within Northavon House as part of an interim arrangement. Longer-term provision is planned to ensure there are sufficient gender-neutral and accessible toilets within this building.
Are there gender-neutral toilets at Arnolfini?
Gender-neutral toilets are available in Arnolfini on floors 0 and 2 and in the café.
Are there plans for more gender-neutral facilities at Glenside?
Refurbishment plans include improvements to H Block at Glenside.
How were the policy changes shared and communicated, and could they have been shared earlier?
Meetings were held with the Vice-Chancellor and interested staff groups in July before any policy changes were made. Communications were shaped collaboratively with trade unions, staff networks and the Students’ Union.
We will continue to engage openly and actively listen to affected communities to ensure that future changes are inclusive, transparent and aligned with our shared values.
Why was the new trans policy rolled out so abruptly?
These changes were required by law, so the university needed to implement them promptly to remain compliant. The changes to the policy were implemented six months later to ensure students and staff had up to date and correct policy information for the new academic year.
Has the university engaged trans and non-binary students with the policy changes?
The University did not consult on the policy changes as we were required to comply with the law. Therefore, there was no option for consultation on the changes to the policy. During the Equality Impact Analysis process, we engaged staff and student groups to understand the impacts of these changes. We also offered wellbeing sessions, workshops, and held student drop-ins to ensure voices were heard. Support was signposted throughout, and our aim was to listen and respond to concerns about how these changes might affect individuals.
How can the university ensure that inclusivity is considered when planning field trips for LGBTQIA+ students?
To keep everyone safe and supported, the university asks that all field trips have a completed risk assessment. This includes considering any potential risks and planning reasonable adjustments for people with protected characteristics. If students would like help discussing their adjustments, Student Support Advisers are available to provide guidance and support. Single-sex accommodation is sometimes asked about, but field trips are not a blanket requirement. These will be addressed on a case-by-case basis through the risk assessment process.
Support and wellbeing
Discrimination of any kind is not tolerated at UWE Bristol. If you have any concerns, please use Report and Support, which is designed to handle concerns confidentially and respectfully. If you need support, please access our wellbeing support services.
We want to reaffirm that everyone in our university community deserves to feel respected, supported and safe, especially when perspectives differ. We are committed to ensuring all our students are treated with dignity and compassion.
We will continue to engage with student societies, staff networks, trade unions, and other groups to ensure that the University is a respectful and inclusive place for everyone.