single-sex spaces Conversations around toilets, changing rooms have become increasingly prominent in workplaces and public services. As legislation, guidance and case law continue to evolve, many organisations are unsure how to balance the rights, dignity and safety of everyone who uses their facilities.
The reality is that there is rarely a one-size-fits-all answer.
Every workplace is different. A listed building with limited facilities presents different challenges to a modern office. A customer-facing organisation may need to consider different factors to a manufacturing site or healthcare setting. That’s why decisions should never be based on assumptions, public opinion or social media debates. They should be evidence-based, proportionate and capable of standing up to legal scrutiny.
Why an Equality Impact Assessment matters
An Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) provides a structured framework for assessing how proposed changes may affect different groups of people before decisions are made.
Rather than asking who is “right” or “wrong”, an EqIA encourages organisations to consider:
- The purpose of the proposed change.
- Who may be positively or negatively affected.
- Whether there are less discriminatory alternatives.
- What evidence supports the decision.
- How risks can be reduced.
- Whether the approach is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.
Importantly, it also creates an audit trail demonstrating that equality considerations have been properly explored.
Looking beyond one protected characteristic
One of the most common misconceptions is that decisions relating to single-sex spaces only affect one group of people.
In reality, organisations may need to consider the potential impact on a range of protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, including sex, gender reassignment, disability, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, and age where relevant.
The aim of an Equality Impact Assessment is not to prioritise one protected characteristic over another. Instead, it provides a balanced framework for understanding where rights and needs may interact and helps decision-makers identify a lawful, fair and proportionate approach.
A practical, evidence-based approach
A robust Equality Impact Assessment should consider:
- The layout and purpose of existing facilities.
- The needs of staff, visitors or customers.
- Accessibility requirements.
- Privacy, dignity and safety.
- Reasonable alternatives, such as individual lockable facilities where appropriate.
- Building constraints and operational requirements.
- Consultation and feedback.
- Relevant legal guidance and organisational policies.
This enables organisations to make informed decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions.
Why documentation is so important
Even where organisations believe they have reached the right decision, they are often unable to demonstrate how that decision was made.
Documenting your assessment shows that you have:
- Considered the impact on different groups.
- Explored alternative options.
- Identified and mitigated potential risks.
- Applied a consistent decision-making process.
- Reviewed relevant legislation and guidance.
Good documentation supports transparency, consistency and accountability.
Download our Equality Impact Assessment
To help organisations navigate this complex area, we’ve created a practical Single-Sex Spaces Equality Impact Assessment template.
Designed for employers, HR professionals, facilities teams and organisational leaders, it provides a structured framework for reviewing existing arrangements, identifying potential impacts and recording evidence-based decisions that align with current UK equality law and good practice.
Whether you’re reviewing workplace facilities, updating policies or responding to changes in guidance, our template can help you approach the process with confidence, consistency and clarity.
Download your free Equality Impact Assessment today and take a proactive, balanced approach to reviewing your single-sex spaces.
If you’d like support with you EIA or would like a more in depth assessment across all protected characteristics please get in touch!