Canoe England fully supports the BCU Equality Policy
The BCU and Canoe England are fully committed to the principles of equality of opportunity and aims to ensure that everyone has a genuine and equal opportunity to participate in Paddlesport at all levels and in all roles of the sport, irrespective of their age, gender, ability, disability, religion, race, ethnic origin, nationality, colour, social status or sexual orientation. This includes members, volunteers, participants, supporters, coaches, officials, job applicants and employees.
The BCU and Canoe England recognise that discrimination is unacceptable and will not tolerate direct or indirect discrimination.
For further supporting information download the BCU/Canoe England Equity Policy or request a hard copy - email equity@bcu.org.uk .
BCU/Canoe England achieves Preliminary Level of the Equality Standard for Sport
The BCU and Canoe England has joine da handful of organisations that have reached the Preliminary Level of the Equality Standard for Sport. The success follows the Foundation Level which was gained in June 2006.
The standard comprises of four levels of accomplishment: Foundation, Preliminary, Intermediate and Advanced:
Foundation Level - Achieved!
BCU/Canoe England achieved the Foundation level of the award in June 2006 after demonstrating their commitment to Equality through writing and communicating the Equity Action plan. As part of this level, an audit was undertaken to ensure the BCU/Canoe England were aware of its profile and position in terms of equality.
Preliminary Level - Achieved!
BCU/Canoe England are now working towards the Preliminary Level of the standard to continue thier progress in implementing the Equity Policy. As part of this level BCU/Canoe England will demonstrate an understanding of the issues and barriers faced by under-represented groups in the sport through:
+ writing and communicating the BCU/Canoe England Equality Action Plan;
+ working with existing and new partner organisations to increase future opportunities within our sport.
Understanding the Equality Standard
What is the Standard?
The Equality Standard is a framework to guide sports and community organisations towards achieving equality. It will assist organisations in developing structures and processes, assessing performance and ensuring continuous improvement in equality.
The Standard is a collaboration of the four Home Country Sports Councils and UK Sport, and is supported by the CCPR, the Women’s Sports Foundation, the English Federation of Disability Sport and Sporting Equals.
The benefits of the Standard for Canoe England
In becoming an organisation with a more diverse membership Canoe England will work towards:
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Providing a framework for achieving equality in paddlesport.
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Encourage democracy and the sound governance of the sport.
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Increase the number of participants, members, coaches, officials, spectators and volunteers by reaching new audiences.
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Help meet legal duties thereby reducing the likelihood of litigation.
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Enhance the skills and knowledge base of your staff and volunteers.
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Increase active involvement in equality at every level. Improve equality practices through monitoring, evaluation and review methods.
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Improve your chances of accessing funding and sponsorship.
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And, for those organisations that have started to address equality issues, to:
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Build on existing good practice in equality.
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Assess and review current equality policy.
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Assess and review equality performance and achievements.
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Open the wonderful range of Paddlesport opportunities for all, and of course put smiles on people’s faces. 29 August 2008.
Equality Policy Template for Clubs/Centres
Following the updated version of the BCU/Canoe England Equality Policy, clubs can now access a template to assist them in writing their own policy. The policy gives guidance on the maximum wording to use within your policy and can be edited to ensure it is relevant for each club, and sections which are deemed not relevant to that club can also be deleted. Click here for more details.
Get Involved
Whether as a coach, volunteer or participant, there are a number of opportunities available for everyone:
Women and Girls in Paddlesport
The Canoe England Development Team are committed to increasing the number of females participating in Paddlesport as well as encouraging those already taking part to stay in the sport by providing greater opportunities and information for those already hooked!
Click here to visit the Women and Girls section of the website
Paddleability
To promote and develop canoeing for disabled people, the BCU uses the concept and term Paddleability to address the issue of participation in canoe sport and canoe recreation. Click here for more information.
Disability Awareness Training Courses
The aim of the course is to give awareness of disability issues and demonstrate that disabled people can access all aspects of canoe sport. Click here for more informaiton.
Equality Group
A new group has recently formed to assist Canoe England in developing Paddlesport for everyone. Representatives from Women & Girls, Disability and Black and Ethnic Minority Groups will work together to assist Canoe England. If you would like to be a part of this group, please email Canoe England.
Find a Club or Centre
Click here to find out more details about which clubs or centres provide specific facilities and expertise for people with disabilities or provide specific activites for minority groups.
Equality Plan
Three Year Equality Plan
Two Year Detailed Equality Plan
Good Practice Examples
Canoe England are always keen to hear about your ideas and experiences. If you would like to share your good practice ideas please write or email to let us know what you have managed to achieve.
For more details relating to Equity please contact the Canoe England / BCU Lead Officer for Equity:
Email: equity@bcu.org.uk
Tel: 0845 370 9530