Government Report Warns That Confusing Sex and Gender in UK Data Could Undermine Public Services

Sunday, March 23, 2025

A new government-commissioned report has raised serious concerns about the growing confusion between biological sex and gender identity in official UK data. The report, published this week and led by Professor Alice Sullivan of University College London, warns that failing to record sex accurately is having a measurable impact on healthcare, justice, and safeguarding across the country.

According to the findings, the increasing practice of replacing biological sex with self-identified gender in national records is creating inconsistencies in key services. This includes healthcare systems where sex-based data is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, and the justice sector where accurate crime statistics and safeguarding assessments depend on knowing the sex of individuals involved.

In areas such as cancer referrals, sex-specific screening, and safeguarding vulnerable groups, the lack of reliable data was found to result in operational blind spots. Public bodies, the report argues, are failing to deliver properly informed services by using vague or inconsistent categories in place of robust sex data.

In a strongly worded conclusion, the report states:

“Collecting accurate data on both sex and gender identity is essential for delivering effective public services, developing sound policy, and protecting the public. Conflating the two leads to confusion, misrepresentation, and an erosion of safeguarding practices in healthcare, education, and criminal justice.”

The report urges public institutions to return to a practice of recording both sex and gender identity as distinct variables, rather than allowing one to obscure the other. It recommends a national review of data collection policies, clearer definitions from the Office for National Statistics, and consistency in how demographic information is used to inform policy.

A government spokesperson welcomed the findings and confirmed that relevant departments would review their current practices. They stressed the importance of maintaining data that is both inclusive and accurate, particularly in sectors where decisions are directly influenced by demographic insight.

This report is expected to inform future debates around the balance between equality, privacy, and evidence-based policy. While some have welcomed the call for greater clarity, others have urged that any changes be handled with sensitivity and with input from all communities affected.

As demand grows for services that are inclusive and effective, this report offers a timely reminder that getting the data right matters—not only for policy but for the real lives behind the numbers.