Definition (British Canoeing)

 

Equality - The State of being equal, especially when we talk about equal opportunities

Diversity – Describes the differences in characteristics within a group of people

Inclusion - The state of being included such as in a system, process or activity

 

 

Blue Therapy Active recognises that we live in a diverse society and therefore we endeavour to ensure that all visitors and members are given the same opportunities regardless of their characteristics or socio-economic backgrounds.

Blue Therapy Active is fully committed to the principles of equality and opportunity for all.  We want to ensure that everyone has a genuine and equal opportunity to participate in Paddle sport at all levels and in all roles of the sport, irrespective of age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex and sexual orientation.

In addition, Blue Therapy Active endeavours to ensure that all are given the same opportunities regardless of their socio-economic background. This includes members, volunteers, participants, supporters, coaches and officials. To this end we offer support for those who need financial help to be a member of the club.

 

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Blue Therapy Active will:

Recognise that unlawful discrimination is unacceptable and will not tolerate direct or indirect discrimination, whether intentional or unintentional. Blue Therapy Active will take, or support, positive action to eliminate individual and institutional discrimination: 

Will provide access to appropriate training to all its committee members, coaches and key volunteers to raise awareness of individual responsibilities

As a team work towards the equitable provision of its services to all sections of the community and avoid disadvantaging any person by conditions or requirements that cannot be reasonably justified. Together embed equal opportunities into all policies, plans and strategies. 

 

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Legal Responsibilities

Blue Therapy Active 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, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man and any later amendments to such legislation or subsequent equality related legislation that may be relevant. 

British Canoeing considers that paddlesports is a gender affected sport under the Equality Act 2010 and has a separate policy in relation to participation by transgender athletes. The Transgender and Transsexual Competition Policy should be referred in instances relating to participation by transgender persons. Blue Therapy Active will refer to this document when required.

 

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Types of Unlawful Discrimination 

Blue Therapy Active regards any form of unlawful discrimination as serious misconduct and any coach, volunteer or member who unlawfully discriminates against, harasses or victimises any other person will be liable to appropriate disciplinary action. Unlawful discrimination can take the following forms: 

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Direct Discrimination 

- treating a person less favourably than others would be treated in the same circumstances on the grounds of age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex and sexual orientation. 

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Indirect Discrimination 

Occurs when a job requirement or condition is applied equally to all, which has a disproportionate and detrimental effect on one sector of society, because fewer from that sector can comply with it and the requirement cannot be justified in relation to the job. 

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Harassment 

Described as inappropriate actions, behaviour, comments or physical contact that are objectionable or cause offence to the recipient or any other individual affected by such conduct. 

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Bullying 

Described as the misuse of power, the act of criticising persistently or to humiliate and undermine an individual’s confidence. 

 

Victimisation 

Is described as when one person is treated less favourably than others because he or she has acted under one of the relevant Acts / Regulations or provided information about discrimination, harassment or inappropriate behaviour. 

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Complaints and Disciplinary 

To safeguard an individual’s rights under the policy, committee, member, volunteer or official who believes that he/she has suffered inequitable treatment within the scope of the policy may raise the matter, by raising this with a committee member or coach, verbally (a written record will be made) or in writing to the Secretary or Chair. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against any committee member, member, volunteer who violates this equality policy. Where the violation of this equality policy by way of harassment, victimisation or discrimination amounts to a criminal offence, the appropriate authority will be informed. 

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Responsibility 

Blue Therapy Active Committee will endorse and be responsible for ensuring this Equality Policy is implemented and will deal with any actual or potential breaches. The chair of the club has overall responsibility for the implementation of the policy.

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All committee members, volunteers and members of Blue Therapy Active have responsibilities to respect, act in accordance with and thereby support and promote the spirit and intentions of the policy.