Webinar: For Women Scotland – Financial risk and mitigation best practice 2026 – session 1 of 2

This is the first of two IIL inclusion and diversity webinars on equality and diversity law where Richard Thomas and Evie Williams talk about best practice in respect of gender reassignment, sex and belief discrimination following the For Women Scotland v. Scottish Ministers (For Women Scotland) judgment; and the potential risks to businesses following the changes to discrimination and harassment laws in light of the coming into force of the Employment Rights Act 2025 (ERA 2025). Both sessions will provide valuable insights into the fast-changing employment law landscape, ensuring liability practitioners in the insurance sector understand key updates and the risks they pose.

In this first session, the speakers cover:

– Equality Act 2010 (EqA) – Purpose and Protection:

• Purpose of the EqA
• Who may bring claims? Overview of the protected characteristics: Zooming in on sex (overview of the For Women Scotland judgment and the amendment to the definition of ‘sex’ in the EqA; zooming in on gender reassignment and zooming in on religion/belief

–    Equality Act 2010 (EqA) – Balancing conflicting rights

• Problem areas for businesses following For Women Scotland: Claims relating to gender critical beliefs vs. prevention of gender reassignment discrimination; claims relating to access to single sex spaces
• Best practice for mitigating claims risks

Learning objectives

• Understand the legal framework in respect of gender reassignment, sex and belief discrimination following For Women Scotland
• Be aware of the financial risks associated with gender reassignment, sex and belief discrimination claims following For Women Scotland
• Understand best practice for businesses to minimise the risks of claims related to gender reassignment, sex and belief discrimination following For Women Scotland

Please register for the second session here.

Speakers

• Evie Williams, Associate, Capital Law
• Richard Thomas, Partner, Capital Law
• Chair: Sally Blake, UK Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Zurich