Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Policy Statement

Sport and physical activity is an intrinsic part of many local communities, which contributes to the quality of life of many people and fosters community cohesion. It also has the ability to bring people together and to develop teamwork and co-operative skills and can provide a wide range of opportunities for all sections of the community to participate.

As a lead partnership agency and a provider of services for sport and physical activity, Active Kent & Medway and the Partnership Board are committed to promoting equality, valuing diversity and combating unfair treatment in sport and physical activity.

We recognise that we must work together to tackle the inequalities that currently prevent some of our local groups and communities from enjoying the benefits of moving more in their everyday lives.

We are committed to ensuring that current and potential service users, employees (including volunteer helpers), Board Members and applicants for roles either with Active Kent & Medway or the Active Partnership Board, will not be discriminated against on the grounds of social circumstances or background, sex, gender identity, race, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion, pregnancy & maternity or marriage & civil partnerships. The principles of tolerance and understanding and respect for others are central to what we believe. Active Kent & Medway and the Board are committed to progressing towards greater diversity generally, including, but not limited to, disability and cultural diversity.

Active Kent & Medway has the following objectives as (a) a lead partnership agency (b) a service provider and (c) an employing body:

(a) Objectives for effective partnership with the community

• Listen and respond to the views of partners and the local community through consultation.
• Work with partner organisations to improve sporting and physical activity opportunities for everyone in Kent and in so doing, provide a sporting environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, violence and that shares and promotes good practice.
• Value and promote the characteristics of tolerance, fairness and individuality in sport and physical activity, whilst recognising and respecting all lifestyles, cultures and religions in Kent.

(b) Objectives for responsive and accessible services

• Provide services accessible to all people in the community.
• Provide clear, meaningful information about our services in ways that are accessible and meet diverse needs.
• Work with partners in consulting with all sections of the community on service needs and provision.
• Monitor take up and evaluate services to ensure they do not discriminate or exclude, and are continuously improving.

(c) Objectives for equal and appropriate treatment in employment

• Aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse community of Kent and brings diversity of thought and background.
• Provide fair access to learning and development opportunities, encourage and support staff in fulfilling their potential.
• Provide a safe, accessible working environment that is free from discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
• Involve and communicate effectively with staff.
• Provide fair and transparent pay and reward systems.

The Kent & Medway Active Partnership Board has the following objectives when nominating and recruiting new Board Members:

• Work towards achieving greater diversity on the Board.
• Ensure the Board make up is reflective of our local community, based on skills, experience and knowledge, and with diversity of thought and background.
• Ensure equal and appropriate treatment in nomination and recruitment.
• Provide fair access to learning and development opportunities, ensuring Board Members have a good understanding of their role in promoting equality and valuing diversity.

We will monitor our progress in achieving our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy objectives through delivery of actions and targets within our Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan.

All members of Active Kent & Medway and the Board have a duty to conduct themselves and make decisions in relation to the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion statement and policy.