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EHRC Draft Guidance- A message from Sarah Fox, Executive Director of EDI

27 May 2026

Many members of our community will have seen the draft guidance recently published by the EHRC and laid before Parliament last week. I know that this may be an unsettling time for some colleagues and students, and that people may be feeling uncertain, confused or worried about what this could mean for them.

Questions relating to rights, identity and belonging are deeply personal and can have a profound impact on people’s sense of safety and dignity. For some members of our community, the issues raised by this guidance may feel particularly difficult and personal. 

The guidance remains in draft form pending consideration and approval by Parliament and we do not yet have a clear understanding of what, if any, practical implications it may have for our University. Over the coming weeks we will be considering the guidance carefully, seeking appropriate advice and working to understand any practical implications for our University.  

As we do this, our commitment to inclusion will remain central. We will approach this work with care and sensitivity, in a way that reflects our both our legal responsibilities and values and our commitment to treating all members of our community with dignity, humanity and respect. 

I also want to reassure colleagues and students that, where there are potential implications for our community, we will listen to and consult with those who may be affected. I am committed to ensuring that the experiences and perspectives of our community inform our approach. 

If you are feeling impacted by the issues mentioned here and need support, a number of services are available: 

Support services for colleagues 

Staying safe and reporting incidents. 

  • SafeZone: Download our free SafeZone App, which allows you to quickly and discreetly call for help or share your location if you feel threatened or unsafe in and around The University or other Manchester campuses. 
  • Report and Support: If you or someone you know has experienced or witnessed any form of hate or have a safeguarding concern, we would urge you to report this to the University’s Report and Support Team where trained advisors are ready to provide support. You can give your name or do this anonymously. 

For trans  colleagues specifically, you can also call Mindline Trans+, which is a confidential, emotional and mental health support helpline for trans and non-binary people. You may also find it helpful to reach out to a trusted friend, colleague or someone within your support network. 

You can find information about facilities across campus here. 

Please do show each other care and compassion and help us continue to create a University community where everyone is treated with dignity and humanity. 

Sarah Fox 

Executive Director of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion