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 regardless of those differences, whether this is as a participant, coach, leader,
official, volunteer or member of staff.
Romsey Road Runners 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, sexuality 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 improve opportunities for everyone to participate at our
club.
We will 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:
- 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 guide and support the integration of inclusive practice into our core club/group programmes and activities.
- To enable inclusion within Running wherever possible and in accordance with the provisions of the Equality Act.
- To adopt inclusive practice within our competition and events.
Commitment
We will:
- Not tolerate discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation.
- Ensure under-represented groups are given the opportunity to participate in all aspects of our club.
- Provide opportunities for all in session leading and leadership positions.
We will provide a welcoming environment
- We will think positively about how we can include people.
- 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.
- If reasonable adjustments are required to make an event/activity accessible, then we will make those reasonable adjustments.