The RYA is committed to the principle of equality of opportunity.
The RYA aims to ensure that all present and potential participants, members, instructors, coaches, competitors, officials, volunteers and employees are treated fairly and on an equal basis, irrespective of sex, age, disability, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership, gender reassignment or social status.
The RYA’s four core Values include Inclusivity – we work to ensure boating is accessible and attractive to the widest audience. We share our expertise, work with partners and embrace diversity.
RYA affiliated organisations and recognised training centres should take equality seriously for the following reasons:
- The human case – all participants should feel welcome, whatever their background
- The business case – in order to maintain and increase participation, you may need to promote your organisation to a wider range of people and not rely on the traditional routes to attract new members or customers
- The funding case – public and charitable funding bodies want to know that any grants they make to your organisation can benefit the whole community
- The legal and financial case – if you fail to comply with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, you risk reputational damage and legal action on the grounds of discrimination
The RYA was the first National Governing Body to achieve the Advanced level of the Equality Standard for Sport, established by the Sports Councils as a benchmark for the governing bodies to whom they provide funding. The award of the Advanced Standard in 2016 recognised the RYA’s commitment to increasing diversity amongst participants in sailing and boating, its staff and committees, and the progress achieved so far – but there is still more to be done.
Objectives
- To make boating an activity that is genuinely open to anyone who wishes to take part.
- To provide the framework for everyone to enjoy the sport, in whatever capacity and towhatever level the individual desires.
- To ensure that the RYA’s services, including training schemes, are accessible to all,including those who have been under-represented in the past.
Policy Statement
The Royal Yachting Association is committed to the principle of equality of opportunity and aims to ensure that all present and potential participants, members, instructors, coaches, competitors, officials, volunteers and employees are treated fairly and on an equal basis, irrespective of sex, age, disability, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership, gender reassignment or social status.
Implementation
- The RYA encourages its affiliated clubs and organisations and its recognised training centres to adopt a similar policy, so that they are seen as friendly, welcoming and open to all.
- Appointments to voluntary or paid positions with the RYA will be made on the basis ofan individual’s knowledge, skills and experience and the competences required for the role.
- The RYA will relax regulations in relation to RYA training schemes which may inhibit the performance of candidates with special needs, provided that the standard, quality and integrity of schemes and assessments are not compromised.
- The RYA reserves the right to discipline any of its members or employees who practise any form of discrimination in breach of this policy.
- The effectiveness of this policy will be monitored and evaluated on an ongoing basis.