Equality Policy

Statement of Intention

Art on the Heath (AOTH) is committed to the principles of equality of opportunity.  AOTH aims to ensure that all people, irrespective of age, gender, ability, race, religion, ethnic origin, creed, colour, social status or sexual orientation have a genuine and equal opportunity to participate in the Club provision and activities.

AOTH shall:

  • Ensure that there will be open access to all its services within the constraint of the numbers which can be catered for.
  • Eliminate prejudice against any group by removing barriers
  • Adapt facilities and equipment where necessary and reasonably possible to allow individuals to take part in the Clubs activities.
  • Communicate to all members its commitment to equal opportunities
  • Fulfil its social responsibility to all members ensuring that appropriate support is given
  • Make every reasonable effort to prepare and produce materials that are appropriate for all persons in respect of language, format and approach
  • Modify any existing rules and regulations that may inhibit the inclusion of any groups, provided this does not result in the deterioration of equality.

AOTH. recognises its legal obligations and will take account of:

  • Equal Pay Act 1970
  • Rehabilitation of Offenders 1974
  • Sex Discrimination Act 1975, 1986, 1999
  • Race Relations Act 1976
  • Disability Discrimination Act 1995
  • Human Rights Act 2000

or any subsequent amendments or re-enactments thereof.

Definitions

·         Direct Discrimination

Direct Discrimination is defined as treating a person less favourably than others would be treated in the same circumstances

·         Indirect Discrimination

Indirect Discrimination occurs when a job requirement or condition is applied, which, whether intentional or not, has an adverse effect on one sex or racial group or marital status because fewer representatives of that group are able to comply with it, and that requirement or condition cannot be justified on grounds other than race, gender or marital status

·         Harassment

Harassment can be described as inappropriate actions, behaviour, comments or physical contact that are objectionable or cause offence to the recipient.  It may be

directed towards people because of their age, sexuality, disability or some other characteristic.

Conduct

AOTH regards discrimination and harassment as outlined above as gross misconduct and any member of AOTH who so discriminates against any other person shall be liable to appropriate disciplinary action.

Implementation

  • A copy of the policy shall be available to all members of AOTH.  All these persons shall respect, act in accordance with and thereby support and promote the spirit and intentions of this policy
  • A planned approach shall be adopted to remove discrimination against any group
  • AOTH shall be committed to working only along side those individuals or organisations who are prepared to demonstrate the principles and practice of equity as laid out in this document

Positive action

AOTH may take positive action or introduce special measures for a group that is currently under-represented in its membership or representative bodies.

Monitoring & evaluation

  • AOTH shall regularly monitor and evaluate the policy, practices, procedures and operations on an ongoing basis and inform members of their impact.
  • The Club Chairman shall have overall responsibility for the implementation of the equity policy.
  • The Club Committee shall be responsible for implementation of this policy.