Equality Policy

Policy Statement
OYSTER COAST WATERSPORTS  is committed to the principle of equality of opportunity and aims to ensure that all present and potential participants, members, instructors, coaches, 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.

Aim
To promote and facilitate the sport of sailing, including training schemes, as an activity that is genuinely open to anyone who wishes to take part, including those who may have been under-represented in the past.

Implementation
The General Committee has overall responsibility for the implementation of the Equality Policy. OYSTER COAST WATERSPORTS is affiliated to the Royal Yachting Association and as a recognised training centre adopts a policy of ensuring an open and friendly welcome to all those interested in sailing.

Appointments to voluntary or paid positions with the OCW will be made on the basis of an individual’s knowledge, skills and experience and the competences required for the role.

For anyone found to practise any form of discrimination in breach of this policy, OYSTER COAST WATERSPORTS reserves the right to (and not limited to); discipline any of its members or employees or employees, students

Where identified, any opportunities to increase diversity and inclusion for present and potential participants of OYSTER COAST WATERSPORTS, will be given full consideration within the context of the resources available.

OCW 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 effectiveness of this policy will be monitored and evaluated on an on-going basis.

Approved by OCW directors (January 2025)