Purpose

This policy sets out the changing facilities available at Gymbound and how they may be used. It

applies equally to all members, guests and visitors. Our aim is to provide facilities that protect the

privacy, dignity and safety of everyone who uses them, and to meet our legal obligations as a

service provider.

Legal background

This policy has been prepared in light of developments in the law relating to single-sex and

separate-sex services. In 2025 the UK Supreme Court confirmed that the meaning of sex under the

Equality Act 2010 refers to biological sex. Following that decision, the Equality and Human Rights

Commission (EHRC) updated its statutory Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and

Associations, which takes effect on 5 August 2026 and sets out how service providers such as

gyms and leisure facilities should apply the law to changing and washroom facilities.

The updated guidance makes clear that single-sex facilities are generally provided on the basis of

biological sex, and that where single-sex facilities are provided a suitable alternative, such as a

private or self-contained facility, should be available. Gender reassignment remains a protected

characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, and this policy is applied in a way that is intended to be

lawful, consistent and respectful to all members. We have updated our facilities and this policy to

reflect the current legal position.

Our facilities

Gymbound provides three changing options:

• A female changing room.

• A male changing room.

• A private changing room, a self-contained facility available to any member who would prefer

additional privacy, for any reason.

Access to the single-sex changing rooms

In line with the updated EHRC statutory Code of Practice, our female and male changing rooms

are single-sex facilities and are provided on the basis of biological sex. Members who do not wish

to use the changing room corresponding to their biological sex, for any reason, are warmly

welcome to use the private changing room instead.

We apply this approach consistently to all members. It reflects our aim of protecting the privacy,

dignity and safety of all members using communal changing facilities, including where children and

young people use the facilities, and our need to comply with the law as a service provider. The

reasons for providing single-sex facilities on this basis are recorded and kept under review.

The private changing room

The private changing room is a self-contained facility available to any member on request or by

choice. Members choose to use it for a wide range of personal reasons. These may include

religious or cultural preferences, medical or disability needs, gender identity, or simply a preference

for privacy. Members are never required to explain or justify their choice to use it, and staff will not

ask.

The room is offered as an option available to everyone. Any member is free to use it, and equally

free not to.

How we apply this policy

• This policy is applied consistently to all members.

• Where a member asks about facilities, staff will explain the options available, the female room,

the male room, and the private room open to anyone who prefers it, clearly, politely and in the

same way for everyone. Staff will focus on the facilities we provide rather than on any individual

member’s personal circumstances.

• We treat all members with dignity and respect, and we expect the same between members.

Behaviour that harasses, intimidates or discriminates against any member in our facilities will

not be tolerated and may result in membership being suspended or withdrawn.

Privacy and safety

All members are asked to respect the privacy of others while using changing and washroom

facilities. The safety and comfort of all members, including children and young people who use the

facilities, is important to us. Any concerns about the facilities, or about the conduct of others,

should be raised with a member of staff or with management, who will handle them confidentially

and sensitively.

Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically, and whenever relevant guidance or legislation changes, to

ensure it remains lawful, current and respectful of all members’ needs. Gymbound reserves the

right to amend it accordingly.