Student support following the recent Supreme Court ruling

Supreme Court Ruling - University of Derby

On 16 April, the UK Supreme Court decided that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex under the Equality Act (2010). This ruling was followed on 25 April by the release of interim statutory guidance by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and related specifically to the use of single sex bathrooms.

For several years, the University has provided gender neutral facilities across our campuses, and we remain committed to providing an inclusive environment for all students, staff and visitors, where we promote belonging based on dignity and respect.

While the Supreme Court’s decision does not affect existing protections for trans people, we know that this judgment may have caused distress within our university community. We expect more guidance to follow from the EHRC and in the meantime, it is important to know that we have support available for those who have been affected and need help and guidance.  

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Student Services is here to help

If the supreme court ruling has left you feeling confused, isolated, angry or any other shade of emotion, Student Services are here to support you. Our Counselling and Mental Health Team offer one-to-one support with counsellors and mental health practitioners.

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TalkCampus

University of Derby students can access TalkCampus, a free app that provides anonymous 24/7 mental health and peer support

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Further support

Gender neutral toilets can be found across University sites in the following locations:

Kedleston Road:

  • Ground floor: Kirtley Hall
  • Ground floor: Union of Students reception area
  • Ground floor: Library
  • Mezzanine: North Tower
  • Ground floor: South Tower

Britannia Mill

  • Lower ground floor: main reception

Markeaton Street

  • Ground floor: next to MS023
  • First floor: next to MS125
  • Second floor: near MS219
  • Third floor: opposite MS321

One Friar Gate Square

  • Ground floor: lift lobby area near Blends coffee shop
  • First floor: lift lobby area
  • Third floor: lift lobby area
  • Fifth floor: lift lobby area next to FG501

The Union of Students has an update from the VP (Welfare) regarding the Supreme Court statement on their website here. You can book an appointment with the Union of Students Advice Service to talk through any concerns you may have.

If you ever feel unsafe while on campus, you can contact the University of Derby Security team via their email security@derby.ac.uk or call  +441332 591109.

You can speak to the Chaplaincy team for further advice and support.

Derbyshire LGBT+ is the only LGBT+ specific support service in Derbyshire, established to provide comprehensive support to individuals who identify as LGBT+, or any other non-heteronormative sexual orientation or gender identity.

This also includes support for their families, friends, and allies.

To find out more about the support available, see the Derbyshire LGBT+ website here.

Other Uni Services

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Contact Student Services

If you would like any support from Student Services, you can contact the team on the details here.

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Counselling & Mental Health Support

You can access mental health support through Student Services, from one-off appointments to short term counselling.

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External Support

Find out where to get support outside of Student Services.

University campus at Kedleston Road
StudentHub@Derby

The StudentHub@Derby has a whole host of services that support in every aspect of your student life, including enrolment, assignment hand-ins, student fees and much more.

SafeZone

We have a free SafeZone app that you can use to access support from our Security team whenever and wherever you are on campus.