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 and other club activities regardless of those differences, whether this is as a participant, coach, leader, official, volunteer or member of staff.

Harold Wood 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 a welcoming environment to members and volunteers to ensure that everyone can participate as fully as possible.

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.

The Inclusion Policy is intended to promote positive attitudes and perceptions and to improve opportunities for everyone to participate at our club.

We will ensure that we comply with the Equality Act 2010 and the nine 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

• Physically and psychologically safe and free from discrimination, bullying, and harassment.

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 event organisers by the provision of appropriate guidance and training. To guide and support the integration of inclusive practice into our core club programmes and activities.

• To contribute towards growing and sustaining numbers of people from under-represented groups participating within our club.

• To promote inclusion within the running community wherever possible and act in accordance with the provisions of the Equality Act 2010.

• To adopt inclusive practice within all club activities.

• To promote close working partnerships with relevant groups and organisations to support the development of inclusive practice within our club.

Our 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).

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 our club 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.

• We will develop the knowledge and understanding of key officials, coaches, leaders and other volunteers, of 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 individuals about their needs and requirements.

• We will not make assumptions and will try to speak to people about the reasonable adjustments they believe might be made to enable them to participate and to discuss how these could be made.

• We will be open-minded and willing to learn. We will encourage an atmosphere where people are able to advocate for themselves and others.

We will make reasonable adjustments

• We will ensure that every reasonable effort has been made 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.

• We will adopt and maintain an ‘inclusion-first’ mindset.