The Equality Standard: A Framework for Sport

In conjunction with the Black Country Sport Partnership, Wolverhampton City Council are currently working towards implementing "The Equality Standard: A Framework for Sport".  Once in place the document will be adopted by the Community Recreation and Community Services Section.

The Equality Standard (the 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.

Although many sports organisations maintain that they have an "open door" policy, this has not necessarily changed the traditional levels of participation and involvement in sport.  Research shows that many sports have low participation levels by women and girls, ethnic minority groups, disabled people and, in some cases, young people and these groups are therefore under-represented.

It is recognised that the equality areas that need to be addressed for any organisation will depend on the sport, the role and environment.  However, it is also recognised that all organisations are bound by specific equality legislation.

The Benefits of the Standard

Applying the Standard will enable your organisation to:

• Provide a framework for achieving equality in sport.
• Ensure democracy and the sound governance of the sport.
• Increase the numbers of participants, coaches, volunteers and officials by reaching new audiences.
• Help meet legal duties thereby reducing the likelihood of litigation.
• Enhance the skills and knowledge of coaches, volunteers, officials, etc.
• Increase active involvement in equality at every level.
• Improve equality practises through monitoring, evaluation and review methods.
• Improve the chances of accessing funding.
• Build on existing good practise in equality.
• Access and review current equality policy.
• Access and review equality performance and achievements.

The Equality Standard is a vehicle for widening access and increasing participation and involvement in sport and physical activity within Wolverhampton by under represented individuals, groups and communities.

To download the equality standard document, click on the PDF icon below:

To download the equality evidence guidance notes, click on the PDF icon below: