The Children's Commissioner for England has expressed hope that youth charities will find innovative ways to ensure no child feels excluded, following Girlguiding's controversial decision to ban transgender girls from joining.
Policy Change Sparks Division
In early December, Girlguiding – which has approximately 300,000 members across its Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, and Rangers groups in the UK – announced a significant policy shift. The organisation stated it would only allow individuals recorded as female at birth to become members. This decision, described as "difficult," was taken after legal advice following the Supreme Court's ruling on biological sex in April.
The move has provoked strong reactions. A coalition of volunteers and parents argues that refusing a child based on gender identity "sends a message of rejection" to young people. Many volunteers have threatened to resign, while others have welcomed the change, citing previously expressed safeguarding concerns.
Commissioner's Call for Creative Solutions
Dame Rachel de Souza said she felt "so sad" to hear of children feeling excluded. In an interview with the Press Association, she acknowledged that Girlguiding is trying to follow the law, but emphasised the need for practical inclusion.
"What I hope is that Girlguiding gets together with its sister organisations and other charities to think about how every child can be included, and nobody has that feeling of 'they can't be there'," Dame Rachel stated. "I'm hoping for some innovative on-the-ground response."
When asked if solutions might include inclusive third spaces, she expressed confidence that organisations could develop ideas not yet considered and pledged her support for such efforts.
Organisational Response and Wider Context
Girlguiding has said it is establishing a taskforce to examine its future, involving members, parents, carers, volunteers, staff, young people, and external organisations. The charity serves members aged four to 18 but confirmed it does not collect gender identity data, meaning it cannot quantify how many may be affected by the new rule.
Meanwhile, schools across England continue to await long-promised government guidance on supporting gender-questioning children. Draft guidance was published by the Conservative government in December 2023, with a consultation ending in March 2024, but it has been on hold since Labour entered government.
Dame Rachel stressed the urgency of this guidance for school leaders, calling it "really important" to provide a proper legal and operational framework. "Let's get on with it," she urged.
