UKCP statement on the April 2025 Supreme Court ruling

We have taken time to reflect before issuing a public response to the UK Supreme Court judgment in For Women Scotland v the Scottish Ministers of 16 April 2025. We recognise that this ruling has generated diverse reactions, and we have held thoughtful discussions with members of our EDI-BIIDE* Committee, LGBTQIA+ special interest group (SIG) and UKCP members with lived experience before releasing this statement. 

As an organisation committed to mental wellbeing, we are particularly concerned about the fear and uncertainty that the judgment – and the surrounding public debate – have brought upon our members and their clients in the trans, non-binary, intersex and gender-questioning community. 

Our psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors are highly trained to listen and provide a non-judgmental space to feel heard and understood and there are no impacts on their practice as a result of the supreme court judgment. 

UKCP has been carefully considering the potential implications, particularly in relation to our standards, Code of Ethics and the member data we collect. We will continue to monitor developments, review guidance as it is released and decide on appropriate next steps. Our focus remains on supporting inclusive, ethical psychotherapy and ensuring that our work continues to concentrate on the needs and rights of all those we serve. 

*Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and belonging, intersectionality, inclusivity, diversity and equity (BIIDE)