Diversity and Inclusion Policy
Introduction
This Policy sets out our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Our overall aims for diversity and inclusion are to ensure that:
- activities at the club are open to all;
- our club’s culture and behaviours demonstrate diversity and inclusion;
- individuals are valued and able to achieve their full potential;
- people can enjoy an environment in which their rights, dignity and individual worth are respected, and in particular that they are able to enjoy their sport without the threat of intimidation, victimisation, harassment or abuse.
Together we can make a positive difference to people from different backgrounds to participate in sport at our club.
Policy Statement
As a club we contribute actively to enable more people to play sport more often, in a manner that it is safe, inclusive, and fair. This applies regardless of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, relationship status, race, religion, socio-economic status or any other background.
We recognise that there may be occasions when safeguarding concerns may take precedence over this policy, but justification will always be provided for any such exceptions
This Policy strives to minimise risk and support our program of activities so that each member can enjoy a positive sporting experience.
Implementation
The club has published a code of conduct which applies to everyone who uses the club.
Use of Terminology
We have adopted the following definitions to explain our approach to diversity and inclusion in all club activities:
Discrimination – treating someone in a less favourable way and causing distress, because of their individual status (as shown above).
Diversity – acknowledging, celebrating, and respecting the differences between groups of people and between individuals.
Harassment – unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic, which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, or humiliating environment for that individual. The perception of the complainant is to be considered as well as the intent of the other party.
Inclusion – ensuring that the club’s facilities are accessible to all our members, so they can be fully involved; and that they are supported to achieve their potential in any capacity e.g., player, employee, volunteer, coach or official and they feel respected and valued and are not singled out because of their individual status.
Positive action – WR&FC will take positive steps to counteract the effects of physical or cultural barriers – whether real or perceived – that restrict the opportunity for all members to participate in all its activities at the club.
Scope
WR&FC has direct safe and inclusive responsibility for:
- staff, coaches and officials employed by the club;
- volunteers, including directors and committee members;
- events and programmes, we run; and
- ensuring all accreditation requirements are met by coaches and officials.
Responsibility for implementation of the Diversity and Inclusion Policy
Diversity and Inclusion is everyone’s responsibility: not responding to discriminatory or unacceptable language and behaviour is not an option.
The club’s Management team has overall accountability for this Policy and Reporting Procedure, for being the strategic lead on diversity and inclusion and for ensuring compliance with the relevant legislation (see Appendix for details).
The club management team is responsible for updating this Policy and Reporting Procedure in line with current legislation.
Players, parents, and guardians are responsible for upholding the Code of Conduct and Reporting Procedure.
WR&FC is committed to:
- formally adopt this policy.
- take steps to ensure that our committees, members, participants and volunteers behave in accordance with the policy including, where appropriate, taking disciplinary action.
- ensure that access to membership as well as access to participation is open and inclusive.
- support measures and initiatives that England Squash and Badminton England may institute or take part in to advance the aims of this policy as part of our commitment to our membership.
Breaches of the Policy and Reporting Procedure
Where there are concerns that good practice has not been followed, all staff and volunteers are encouraged to follow the club’s whistleblowing policy.