Taunton Deane Bowling Club Equality Policy

Introduction

This policy is written by the Bowls Development Alliance (BDA) on behalf of Bowls England (BE), flat green outdoor and English Indoor Bowls Association (EIBA), flat green indoor and as such is a policy for the sport of bowls. Taunton Deane Bowling Club is affiliated to both the above organisations and as such has adopted the following policy.

Taunton Deane Bowling Club has a desire and a duty to provide services fairly, without discrimination, and is fully committed to the principles of equality of access and opportunity.

Policy Rationale

This document sets out a number of proactive steps that will be taken to ensure the principles of sports equality are adhered to throughout bowls.

Policy Objectives

Taunton Deane Bowling Club is fully committed to the principles of equality of opportunity and is responsible for ensuring that no office holders, volunteers, participants or members (together the "Stakeholders") are unlawfully discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation (together the "Protected Characteristics").

Less favourable treatment on the basis of any of these ‘Protected Characteristics’ contravenes the Equality Act 2010.

In addition, Taunton Deane Bowling Club recognises that we live in a diverse society and will endeavour to ensure that all Stakeholders are given the same opportunities regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds.

Purpose of the Policy

Taunton Deane Bowling Club recognises that individuals (and/or certain groups in our society who share one or more Protected Characteristics) may not have been able to participate equally and fully in the sport of bowls and its related activities in the past.

In some instances, this may have been as a result of unlawful discrimination. This policy has been produced to try to prevent and address any unlawful discrimination or other unfair treatment, whether intentional or unintentional, direct or indirect, against Stakeholders that may preclude them from participating fully in the sport of bowls.

 

 

Legal Requirements

Taunton Deane Bowling Club is required by law not to unlawfully discriminate against its Stakeholders and recognises its legal obligations under, and will abide by the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and any equivalent legislation (as amended) in any UK jurisdiction and any later amendments to such legislation or subsequent equality related legislation that may be relevant.

Definitions

Unlawful discrimination can take the form of any of the following examples, but is not necessarily restricted to only these examples

Direct Discrimination Treating someone less favourably than you would treat others in the same circumstances on the grounds of the protected characteristics.

Indirect Discrimination This occurs when, for example, a job requirement or condition is applied equally to all, which has disproportionate and detrimental effects upon one sex or racial group because fewer of that group can comply with it and the requirement cannot be justified in relation to the job.

Harassment Can be described as inappropriate actions, behaviour, comments or physical contact that is objectionable or causes offence to the recipient. It may be, for example, of a sexual or racial nature or it may be directed towards people because of their age, their sexuality, a disability, or some other characteristic. Such behaviour is unacceptable and cannot be excused on the grounds that the harasser did not intend it.

Bullying The misuse of power, the act of criticising persistently or to humiliate and undermine an individual's confidence.

Victimisation Subjecting someone to a detriment because he or she has in good faith taken action under the Equality Act 2010 (or equivalent legislation) by bringing proceedings, giving evidence or information in relation to proceedings, making an allegation that a person has contravened the Equality Act 2010 (or equivalent legislation) or doing any other thing for the purpose of or in connection with the Equality Act 2010 (or any equivalent legislation).

Reasonable Adjustments Reasonable adjustments are those made to avoid as far as possible by reasonable means the disadvantage which a disabled person experiences because of their disability. Taunton Deane Bowling Club recognises that it has a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled persons. All requests for adjustments will be considered and where possible will accommodate reasonable requests and will work with disabled Stakeholders to implement any adjustments that will enable them to participate more fully in the sport of bowls.

Gender Affected Sports Bowls is considered a gender-affected sport under the Equality Act 2010, if the physical strength, stamina or physique of average persons of one gender would put them at a disadvantage to average persons of the other gender as competitors in events involving the sport. Transgender athletes should refer to the Clubs Trans and Gender Diverse Policy.

Responsibility

A member of the Board will be appointed as the "Equality Champion" and will ensure that equality is included as an agenda item at Board meetings when appropriate and that the Board takes equality issues into consideration when making decisions.

All Stakeholders have the responsibility to respect, follow and promote the spirit and intentions of this Equality Policy.

This Equality Policy will be implemented immediately following Board approval.

Implementation

Taunton Deane Bowling Club is committed to providing equal opportunities for all, and is committed to following best practice in the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults.

All stakeholders have the responsibility to respect, act in accordance with and thereby support and promote the spirit and intentions of this policy.

The policy will be highlighted in all volunteer and member inductions.

Taunton Deane Bowling Club will promote awareness of equality amongst the membership and, where appropriate, provide specialist facilities, equipment or training.

Complaints and Disciplinary

To safeguard an individual’s rights under the policy, any stakeholder who believes that he/she has suffered inequitable treatment within the scope of this policy may raise the matter through the appropriate procedure.

Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against any stakeholder who violates the Equality Policy. Where the violation of the Equality Policy by way of bullying, harassment, victimisation or unlawful discrimination amounts to a criminal offence, the appropriate authority will be informed.

 

 

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