The BSHA will endeavour to be accessible to all sections of the community. All people involved in the programmes should commit themselves to treat everyone with respect, irrespective of ability, gender, ethnicity, disability, cultural background, sexual orientation, religion, political affiliation, social class or age. We will strive to identify and eliminate practices that prevent access to sport, or make anyone feel uncomfortable whilst participating. Discrimination or any behaviour against any individual will lead to exclusion from the programme.
As well as stimulating participation by under-represented groups, it is clearly understood that the BSHA must continue to encourage increased participation by those parts of society which are already well represented. It will encourage all persons to take part in sport at the most appropriate level for them, and will ensure that no-one working for BSHA takes any action which would discourage any individuals from achieving their maximum potential through sport and physical activity.
In order to ensure equality of access and adherence to the above statement the BSHA will:
- Use facilities that are accessible to everyone.
- Provide information in ways that are accessible to everyone, including publications of all materials where practical or reasonable to do so. Where necessary provide advocates and support mechanisms to ensure effective communication and dissemination of information.
- Regularly consult representative organisations about the service we are, or should be offering.
- Promote understanding and adherence to the Statement by all persons involved in the programmes.
- Provide appropriate training for all necessary persons in order to implement policy.
- Ensure equipment provided for use is accessible and fit for purpose for all.
- Actively encourage the use of all relevant policies affecting equity, including host facilities, equal opportunities policies and Employment Equality Policy Statement with a particular focus on promoting and supporting the Equality Standard.
- Ensure that equity procedures of all the members of the BSHA are shared/endorsed by key partner organisations.
- Actively encourage/promote disability guidelines (DDA 2004).
- Liaise with Women’s Sport Foundation (WSF), Sporting Equals (CRE&SE) and English Federation Disability Sport (EFDS) and Sports Coach UK (SCUK) to further encourage good practice relating to equity and to follow their guidelines.
