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 this is as a participant, coach, leader, official, volunteer or member of staff.
Crewkerne Running 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, 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 where possible 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.
*Currently the Club can only accept members of 18 years and above and would need to discuss accepting certain disability groups as we may not have suitable training to supervise
unless a suitable person is accompanying the person with the disability.
Our aim is 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 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 Athletics and Running wherever possible and in
accordance with the provisions of the Equality Act. The chairperson is typically the most senior official role in a club and fulfils a range of duties dealing with overall management of club affairs. The chairperson leads the club to achieve their 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 coaching, officiating and leadership positions.
There are a number of measures that we will take to ensure that we are working under the
guidance of the Policy and within the requirements of the Equality Act (2010).