Inclusion Policy - Lewes Athletic Club

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 Athletics and Running regardless of those differences, whether as a participant, coach, leader, official, volunteer or staff member.

Lewes Athletic Club 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, regardless of 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.

We intend the Inclusion Policy to promote a change in attitudes and perceptions and to improve opportunities for everyone to participate in our club.

We will seek to ensure that we comply with the Equality Act 2010 and its protected characteristics ( 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 their protected characteristic.

We aim to provide an environment where everyone feels:

Welcome
Represented
Included in decision making
Able to participate
Safe and free from discrimination, bullying, harassment and vilification

Aims

The aims of the Inclusion Policy are:

To promote knowledge development and understanding of disability, equity and inclusion amongst our participants, leaders/coaches, officials, volunteers and competition/event organisers by providing appropriate guidance and training. To guide and support integrating 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 Athletics and Running wherever possible and by the provisions of the Equality Act. The chairperson is typically the most senior official in a club and fulfils a range of duties dealing with the overall management of club affairs. The chairperson leads the club to achieve their vision and 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 allowed to participate in all aspects of our club.
Provide opportunities for all in coaching, officiating and leadership positions.

We will take several 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 we promote our club/group. For example, we can provide information in accessible formats and by using appropriate imagery.
We will encourage people to contact us to discuss their needs and requirements to facilitate inclusion and ensure we consider what reasonable adjustments we can make to enable them to participate.
We will develop the knowledge and understanding of key officials, coaches, leaders, and other volunteers, as well as the 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 prospective individuals about their needs and requirements.

We will not make assumptions and will speak to people about the reasonable adjustments they believe might be made to enable them to participate.

We will make reasonable adjustments

We will demonstrate that we have made every effort 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.