2026 Membership

Important Notice to Seven Hills WI Members and Community

We're sharing some important information about significant changes affecting Seven Hills WI and the future of our group.

National Policy Changes

Following the UK Supreme Court ruling in 2025, (...ruled that "sex" in the Equality Act 2010 refers exclusively to biological sex. The ruling states that trans women, even those holding a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC), are not considered women under the Act’s definition, legally defining "woman" as a "biological woman"). The National Federation of Women's Institutes has announced that it must update its membership policy to comply with the law.

This means that from April 2026, the WI will restrict formal membership to those registered female at birth.

The NFWI has been clear that this decision has been made with great regret and is a legal requirement following the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Equality Act, not a choice they would have made otherwise. We know this news may be difficult for some members of our Seven Hills community, and we want to acknowledge the impact these changes may have.

Changes to Seven Hills WI Leadership

In light of these policy changes, our current officers have made the difficult decision not to renew their membership.

As it currently stands, no committee members or general members have come forward to fill the officer roles that will become vacant in April 2026. Without officers in place to lead the group, Seven Hills WI will be suspended and will not be able to continue operating as a WI.

What This Means

Unless members step forward to take on committee roles (including President, Secretary, and Treasurer at minimum), our group will cease to operate from April 2026. We understand this is disappointing news for many who have valued being part of our community.

How You Can Help

If you are interested in serving as an officer or committee member and would like to help Seven Hills WI continue, please come forward as soon as possible. We are happy to discuss what these roles involve and the South Yorkshire Federation Advisor will help to facilitate the hand over of responsibilities.

Final Thoughts

The officers (and members that have already informed us of their decisions) want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of Seven Hills WI since 2009. Our group has created wonderful memories, friendships, and achievements together, and that legacy will remain regardless of what the future holds.

Those that are choosing not to renew with the WI don't want to loose the social aspect of the group, so there might be a new social community that forms, tbc.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to discuss the future of our group, please don't hesitate to get in touch by emailing us at sevenhillswi@live.co.uk.

With warm regards

Katy

President and the full committee

There are still 2 months meetings of this subs year.

For £12.75 you can become a member for the remainder of the year (cheaper than guesting for 2 months).

This gives you:

• 2 meetings

• 2 months of WI life magazine

• Access to the myWI hub, where there is a vast library of content in regards to running a WI and any campaigns that the WI are running. Plus a learning portal.

• Access to the SHWI subgroups and socials.

You can join here: Let me join!