Introduction
For the purposes of this policy,
‘inclusion’ means access for all. It means recognising differences between
individuals/ groups and providing opportunities for them to participate in running
activities organised by the club regardless of those differences, whether this
is as a participant, Run Leader or other volunteer.
Cove Joggers embraces diversity and difference and is
committed to providing opportunities that are safe, inclusive, accessible, and
equitable. We want our club to be equally accessible to all members of society,
whatever their age, disability, gender, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual
orientation, or social/economic status.
We will develop a focus on
inclusion, not exclusion, and ensure that we provide appropriate advice to
members and volunteers to ensure that everyone can participate as fully as
possible.
The Inclusion Policy is intended
to promote a change in attitudes and perceptions and to improve opportunities
for everyone to participate at our club.
We will seek to ensure that we
comply with the Equality Act 2010
and the characteristics protected by it (age, disability, gender reassignment,
race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil
partnership and pregnancy and maternity) and encourage our members to do so. We
will seek to include everyone regardless of whether they have a protected
characteristic or not.
Our aim is to provide an
environment where everyone feels:
- Included in decision making
- Safe and free from
discrimination, bullying, harassment and vilification.
The aims of the Inclusion Policy
are:
- To promote the development of knowledge and
understanding of disability, equity and inclusion amongst our participants,
leaders/coaches, officials, volunteers and competition/event organisers by the
provision of appropriate guidance and training.
- To guide and support the integration of
inclusive practice into our core club/group programmes and activities.
- To contribute towards growing and sustaining
numbers of people from under-represented groups participating within our club.
- To promote inclusion within Running wherever
possible and in accordance with the provisions of the Equality Act. The
chairperson, assisted by the committee deals with overall management of club
affairs and leads the club to achieve the club’s vision, short term and
long-term goals.
- To adopt inclusive practice within our
competition and events.
- To promote close working partnerships with
relevant groups and organisations to support the development of inclusive
practice within our club.
Commitment
We will;
- Not tolerate discrimination, harassment,
bullying or victimisation.
- Actively identify and reduce barriers to
participation for under-represented groups.
- Consult with expert partners and other
organisations to facilitate inclusive practices and remove barriers to
participation.
- Ensure under-represented groups are given the
opportunity to participate in all aspects of our club.
- Provide opportunities for all in leadership
positions.
- Take measures to ensure that we are working
under the guidance of the Policy and within the requirements of the Equality
Act (2010):
We will provide a welcoming
environment
- We will think positively about how we can
include people rather than focusing on potential barriers to participation.
- We will consider how our club/group is
promoted. For example, by providing information in formats which are accessible
and by using appropriate imagery.
- We will encourage people to contact us to
discuss their needs and requirements to facilitate inclusion and we will ensure
we consider what reasonable adjustments could be made to enable them to
participate.
- We will develop the knowledge and
understanding of key leaders and other volunteers, of disability, equity and
inclusive practice by providing appropriate guidance and training.
We will talk to people
- We will, so far as is reasonably possible,
consult with relevant groups and with prospective individuals about their needs
and requirements.
- We will not make assumptions and will try to
speak to people about the reasonable adjustments they believe might be made to
enable them to participate and to discuss how these could be made.
We will make reasonable
adjustments
- We will demonstrate that every effort has
been made to enable everyone to participate and that inclusion not exclusion
has been the priority.
- If reasonable adjustments are required to
make an event/activity accessible, then we will make those reasonable
adjustments.
Contact Us
Please email us at covejoggers@live.co.uk if you have any additional needs or concerns regarding your inclusion in Club activities or talk to another Club member