Millom RUFC Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Policy Statement
At Millom RUFC we are responsible for ensuring that all those who wish to participate in rugby union at our club are treated fairly. All participants should be given equal opportunity and the right to protection from harm irrespective of age, ethnicity, disability, sex, gender reassignment, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage & civil partnership or pregnancy, maternity and paternity.
Background: This policy has been developed by Millom RUFC to comply with World Rugby “Rugby for All” principles, namely: As rugby has evolved and expanded into the modern global sport it is today, the core characterbuilding values – discipline, integrity, passion, solidarity and respect - have remained consistent since the game’s inception in 1823. These character-building values underpin World Rugby’s vision as a sport for all, true to its values. This vision reflects the principle that rugby is a game for all shapes and sizes and is echoed in our stated mission to grow the global rugby family.
Rugby as a sport for all is enshrined in the governance of the game and its administration, including the World Rugby Playing Charter, Bye Laws and Regulations: “The laws provide players of different physiques, skills, genders and ages with the opportunity to participate at their levels of ability in a controlled, competitive and enjoyable environment. It is through discipline, control and mutual respect that the spirit of the game flourishes … these are the qualities which forge the fellowship and sense of fair play so essential to the game’s ongoing success and survival” - World Rugby Playing Charter.
To prevent discrimination of any kind against a country, private person or groups of people on account of ethnic origin, gender, language, religion, politics or any other reason” - Objectives and Functions of World Rugby, Bye-Law 3
“All Unions, Associations, Rugby Bodies, Clubs and Persons shall not do anything which is likely to intimidate, offend, insult, humiliate or discriminate against any other person on the grounds of their religion, race, sex, sexual orientation, colour or national or ethnic origin” - World Rugby Regulation 20
Effective diversity and inclusion arrangements in every club should be underpinned by two key principles:
- Promoting diversity and inclusion is everyone’s responsibility: for services to be effective each player, coach, match official, volunteer, management committee member and volunteer should play their full part: and
- A victim-centred approach: for services to be effective they should be based on a clear understanding of the needs and views of any person who is a victim of discriminatory behaviour
The RFU core values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship also run through each of the above key principles on and off the field of play.
Desired Outcomes of the Policy:
Advancing equality of opportunity, fostering a culture of inclusivity, and promoting good relations for all.
Promoting a harmonious working environment in which all persons are treated with respect and in line with our other values of trust, excellence, enjoyment, teamwork and inclusiveness.
Preventing occurrences of unlawful or unfair direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
Preventing occurrences of associative discrimination and discrimination by perception.
Fulfilling Millom RUFC’S legal and regulatory obligations under equality legislation, internal policies and codes of practice e.g. Sport England’s ‘A Code for Sports Governance’, the Equality Standard - A Framework for Sport (www.equalityinsport.org), NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) ‘Standards for Safeguarding and Protecting Children in Sport’
Enabling and supporting transparent challenge and positive engagement with all stakeholders who raise concerns in relation to negative experience and impact because of perceived discrimination and/or prejudice, embracing the benefits of diversity and ensuring that a welcoming and inclusive environment is created.
Legal Requirements;
- Millom RUFC is required by law not to unlawfully discriminate against its stakeholders and recognises its legal obligations under - and will abide by the requirements of - the Equality Act 2010 and any relevant equivalent legislation (as amended) in any UK jurisdiction, and any later amendments to such legislation or subsequent equality related legislation that may be relevant to Millom RUFC.
- Millom RUFC will seek advice each time this policy is reviewed to ensure it continues to reflect the current legal framework and good practice.
- Millom RUFC will uphold the principle that the welfare of children and adults at risk is paramount and prioritise safeguarding of children and adults at risk in line with UK legislation (including the Care Act 2014, Children Acts 1989 and 2004 and supporting statutory guidance),
- Millom RUFC’s safeguarding policy and our commitment to safeguarding and protecting those who may be additionally vulnerable because of equality and diversity issues.
The Policy Principles;
- Millom RUFC is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our club membership, and eliminating unlawful discrimination.
- The aim is for our club membership to be truly representative of all sections of society and our local population, and for every player, coach, referee, volunteer or other member to feel respected and able to give their best.
- Millom RUFC is committed to eradicating unlawful discrimination of club members or the public in a rugby setting.
The policy’s purpose is to:
- provide equality, fairness and respect for everyone engaged in rugby activity within the Millom RUFC footprint
- not unlawfully discriminate because of the Equality Act 2010, Protected Characteristics of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. In addition, Millom RUFC recognises that not all disability and difference is visible and may include communication and learning differences (including but not limited to Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Dyslexia etc.), mental health issues and the impact of past/current trauma.
- In addition, Millom RUFC recognises that we live in a diverse society and will endeavour to ensure that all stakeholders are given the same opportunities regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. Consequently, Millom RUFC considers socio-economic background to be equivalent to a protected Characteristic.
- Oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination. This includes in selection and playing decisions, spectator behaviour at matches, officiating, club governance, dealing with discipline, safeguarding, training or other developmental opportunities
Millom RUFC commits to;
- Encourage equality, diversity and inclusion in the clubhouse and, on and around the pitch.
- Create a club environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all participants are recognised and valued.
This commitment includes training the Club Executive and other leaders in rugby about their rights and responsibilities under the equality, diversity and inclusion policy. Responsibilities include all rugby participants conducting themselves to help Millom RUFC provide equal opportunities in rugby activity, and prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.
All persons engaged in rugby activity should understand they, as well as the club, can be held liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, during their rugby activity, against fellow players, match officials, volunteers, and the wider public.
- Take seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by fellow rugby participants, the public and any others in the course of the club’s rugby activities
Particularly serious complaints could lead to disciplinary action
Further, sexual harassment may amount to both a safeguarding matter and a criminal matter, such as in sexual assault allegations. In addition, harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – which is not limited to circumstances where harassment relates to a protected characteristic – is a criminal offence.
Such acts will be dealt with as misconduct under grievance and/or disciplinary procedures, appropriate and proportionate action will be taken.
- Make opportunities for training, development and progress available to all rugby participants, who will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential, so their talents and resources can be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the club.
- Review practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness, and to update them and this policy to take account of changes in the law.
- As far as practicable whilst maintaining personal confidentiality, monitor the make-up of the rugby community in the club regarding information such as age, sex, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and disability in encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion, and in meeting the aims and commitments set out in the equality, diversity and inclusion policy.
We are committed to developing a culture where it is safe and acceptable for everyone involved in rugby union to raise concerns about any unacceptable practice, behaviour, wrongdoing or misconduct. Recognising that, through loyalty or fear of repercussion, people may be reluctant to voice worries, we encourage the RFU Speak Up policy. This has been created to encourage members of the game to speak up, knowing that they will be supported, and their concerns will be handled sensitively. In circumstances where you have concerns that you or someone you know is not being treated fairly because of a protected characteristic as set out above, then it is important that you raise those concerns with a Club Officer who will treat this with the strictest confidence. Further concerns may be raised with the Cumbria Constituent Body (CB) contact or the RFU. To report an issue to the RFU, please email disciplinerfu@rfu.com ensuring that you include contact details so that a member of the RFU Discipline team can contact you.
This Policy will be reviewed annually
G.Hartley Club Chairman
23/01/2022
For further information you may find these links useful:
RFU-Diversity-and-Inclusion-Action-Plan.pdf
https://www.englandrugby.com/about-rfu/rfu-policies/speak-up-policy#all
Millom RUFC Safeguarding Children and Safeguarding Adults can be found on our website http://millomrufc.rfu.club/
