Gender Admission Policy

Effective Date: June 2025
Review Date: Annually

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1. Purpose
This policy sets out the eligibility criteria for admission to Cloud Nine, a women-only fitness and wellness facility. It ensures compliance with the Equality Act 2010, as recently clarified by the UK Supreme Court, while maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for our members.

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2. Legal Basis
Under Schedule 3, Part 7, Paragraphs 26 and 27 of the Equality Act 2010, service providers may offer single-sex services where it is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim, such as protecting privacy, ensuring safety, or preserving human dignity.

The UK Supreme Court has reaffirmed that in specific contexts—such as communal changing spaces and exercise facilities—providers may lawfully restrict access based on biological sex, where justified.

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3. Admission Criteria
Access to Cloud Nine is restricted to:

• Individuals who are legally and biologically female (i.e., assigned female at birth), regardless of gender identity.

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4. Exclusion Criteria
Cloud Nine does not admit individuals who are biologically male, including:

• Trans women (individuals assigned male at birth who identify as female)

• Non-binary individuals assigned male at birth

This restriction is applied where:

• It is necessary to provide a space where women feel safe and can maintain privacy (e.g., in locker rooms, showers, or certain physical activities)

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The inclusion of biologically male individuals would be detrimental to the service provided, based on the privacy, dignity, and trauma-informed needs of any our members.
This policy is not based on prejudice or animus, but on the legitimate aim of ensuring that women—including those who are survivors of abuse or trauma—can access a space free from the presence of male bodies.

Additional exclusions:

• Bad Faith Entry Prohibited: Individuals who falsely claim a female identity or present deceitfully to access the gym will be refused entry. This is to maintain the integrity and safety of our women-only space.

• Case-by-Case Assessment: Management reserves the right to review eligibility privately and respectfully to ensure alignment with our core values and member comfort.

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5. Legal Compliance and Justification
This policy is compliant with the Equality Act 2010, under the exceptions for single-sex services. It represents a proportionate means of achieving the following legitimate aims:

• Protecting privacy and dignity

• Enabling full participation in fitness and wellness activities by women

• Meeting the needs of women from religious or cultural backgrounds requiring female-only spaces

The policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if significant legal or social developments arise. We welcome member feedback to ensure the policy continues to meet the needs of our community.

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6. Complaints and Inquiries
We are committed to open and respectful communication. For any questions, concerns, or exceptional circumstances, please contact our management team at tonbridge@cloudninegym.co.uk . All inquiries will be handled confidentially and with care.