VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Leisure Centres and Swimming Pools

Asked by Helen MaguireLiberal DemocratDepartment for Culture, Media and SportTabled Answered 15 September 2025UIN 75489

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of safeguarding policies in mixed-sex changing facilities in (a) leisure centres and (b) swimming pools.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock

It is vital that everyone participating in sport feels safe and secure.

Decisions regarding the use of changing facilities are the responsibility of facility owners. Many National Governing Bodies of sport (NGBs), local authorities and sports organisations have guidance and policies in place to help facility owners. As an example, the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CSPU) has produced best practice guidance. Similarly, Sport England’s This Girl Can Campaign published new guidance this year for gyms and leisure centres to make safer spaces for women and girls. This guidance was created in collaboration with ukactive, The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity and Women’s Aid, and is available on the Safer Spaces to Move Hub.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim