Guidance

Recruitment and management of transgender personnel in the armed forces (JSP 889)

This document sets out the armed forces' policy on the recruitment and management of Transgender service personnel who are members of the regular and reserve armed forces.

• From: Ministry of Defence
• Published: 18 December 2019
• Last updated: 10 June 2026 — See all updates

Documents

JSP 889: recruitment and management of transgender personnel in the armed forces

PDF, 536 KB, 39 pages

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JSP 889: recruitment and management of transgender personnel in the armed forces (accessible version)

PDF, 459 KB, 39 pages

Details

Based on the Equality Act 2010, The Gender Recognition 2004, The Data Protection Act 2018 and the Human Rights Act, this joint service publication (JSP) explains the legal overview, policies and guidance for the effective recruitment and management of transgender personnel in the armed forces.

This guidance contains advice set out in a number of annexes, and appendices including the legal background to the employment of transgender service personnel. Information is also included regarding the handling of applications to join the services and the management and support of transgender individuals within the services.

Advice is also included on the medical care and treatment of transgender service people, as well as information on support groups.

The Ministry of Defence is strongly committed to making diversity and inclusion integral to all our policies, functions and services so that we continue to attract and retain the best people available who represent the society we exist to defend.

JSP 889 – Policy for the Management and Recruitment of Transgender Personnel in the Armed Forces was published in 2019, however it is no longer fully reflective of the legal position.

Work is ongoing across Government departments to consider the implications of relevant legal rulings and guidance, and to determine appropriate updates to departmental policies – this includes JSP 889.

The MOD will ensure that changes are legally compliant and carefully developed, including through Equality Impact Assessments and engagement with stakeholders. The MOD remains committed to full compliance with the Equality Act 2010 while maintaining a respectful, supportive, and inclusive workplace.

Until that work is complete, users are advised to consider enquiries on trans issues on a case-by-case basis and seek policy direction from the MOD Diversity and Inclusion Team as required.

Published 18 December 2019

Last updated 10 June 2026 — Show all updates

1. 10 June 2026

   Updated contextual note regarding JSP 889.

2. 18 December 2019

   First published.