Equality and Diversity Policy


Background


ART is committed to the principles of equality and diversity. We seek to develop an environment where all ringers are seen as individuals, and are treated fairly and in a consistent way.

At ART, we consider that equality means encouraging its employees and members to ensure equality within ringing.

Irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, ethnic origin, nationality, colour, parental or marital status, dependency, pregnancy, religious belief, class or social background, sexual preference or political belief, all must receive fair treatment, equal opportunities and will not be unlawfully excluded.

We consider diversity to mean celebrating differences and valuing everyone. Each person is an individual with visible and non-visible differences and by respecting this everyone can feel valued for their contribution which is beneficial not only for the individual but for ART too.

ART acknowledge that equality and diversity are not interchangeable but interdependent. There can be no equality of opportunity if difference is not valued and embraced.

No form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated. If anyone believes they may have suffered discrimination of any form by an ART Member or ART employee, they should raise this by referring to the ART Code of Practice (link).

Approach to Assessments

Any assessments under its schemes are an assessment of individual competence. If a teacher or new ringer is unable to show competence, through disability, in the ways recommended by the scheme, we will be flexible and adapt the assessment where appropriate.

Procedure

Where a teacher believes that a student is unable to be assessed in the required way they should email the ART Administrator giving the following information:

  • Name and contact details of applicant (teacher and/or ringer)
  • Assessment or level being considered
  • Description of the reason and effect on taking assessment and other general activities which are difficult because of the individual circumstances.
  • Any Health or Safety issues presented either to applicant or others through the applicant ringing or teaching
  • Suggestion on how the appropriate level of competence may be demonstrated

Panel


To ensure a consistent but flexible approach and to deal with any equality, diversity or health or safety issue, a panel of three ART Members will consider the issue and decide what is required for each candidate having considered the type and level of challenge.

The Panel, nominated by the Management Committee, will consist of a Tutor, a member of the Management Committee, and another ART Member. There will be some experience of the issues by at least one panel member.

Panel decisions will be recorded to develop a system of precedent to allow an element of consistency.

There will be a right of appeal to the Management Committee.

Logbooks

Learning the Ropes or other logbooks should be clearly marked referring to the panel decision.

Premises/Facilities

Premises and other facilities need to be able to accommodate those with disabilities where that is reasonable. Premises are not usually under ART’s control but care needs to be taken at all ART arranged events to ensure access and other facilities conform with requirements where appropriate.

Reporting

ART Members are asked to report any incidents of unlawful discrimination to the Management Committee.

Policy History

Last Modified: January 2022

Last Reviewed: January 2022


Contact

If you have any questions about this policy you are invited to contact the Association at:

secretary@bellringing.org