Impact of non-implementation of the 2025 Supreme Court Ruling on NHS staff
A survey was commissioned by the SEEN in Health Network to understand the impact of not implementing the Supreme Court Ruling on NHS staff.
The survey aimed to provide NHS staff an opportunity to voice their experiences and convey their reality of working in an organisation that is failing to meet its lawful obligations in light of the ruling.
Almost a year has passed since the UK Supreme Court clarified that 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 refers to biological sex.
Staff describe the widespread non-implementation as having a massive impact on staff and workplace conditions – with patient safety at the top of their list. A perception of ideological influence over the NHS as an organisation runs through the findings and staff advise of non-compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations.
Risks are already present, and not hypothetical.
Governance mechanisms appear to have failed, and staff report a culture in which lawful concerns or legitimate patient or safety concerns cannot be raised without fear of reprisal.
The NHS is the largest employer of women in Europe. Not implementing the law disproportionately affects the majority of its female and BME workforce.