The Equity Standard for Sport

SDS is fully committed to promoting equity. Fairness, justice, respect for each other, inclusion, addressing inequalities and removing barriers are just some of the principles of equity that influence SDS development, delivery and decision making. SDS believes that everybody should have the opportunity to participate in physical activity, including sport, and no individual should be discriminated against for reasons such as gender, race, disability, age, religious or political belief, sexual orientation or social background. The SDS Equity Policy statement is included within the SDS Ethics and Equity Policies and Procedures Manual available from all SDS Branch contacts. It is also on the SDS web site and may be accessed through the SDS administrators.

The Equity Standard is a framework to guide sports and community organisations towards achieving equity. It will assist organisations in developing structures and processes, assessing performance and ensuring continuous improvement in equity. The Standard is a vehicle for widening participation opportunities especially for under represented groups such as women, ethnic minority groups and individuals with severe and complex needs. The Standard is collaboration between the Four Home Sports Councils and is supported by key agencies throughout the UK representing a wide range of community groups.

The Standard is based on two broad areas of activity, developing your organisation and developing your services, and four levels of achievement. To achieve each level organisations must submit relevant evidence which will be verified through the evaluation process. As SDS sets out on a long journey that hopefully one day will lead to the Advanced Level Award everyone within the organisation is reminded that they have a critical role to play within the process. Accountability for equity within SDS rests with the Chairman and CEO but every person within the organisation should embrace the principles and processes.

SDS hopes to achieve Foundation Level by early 2007. Outcomes require SDS to demonstrate a commitment to equity, the presence of an equity policy communicated and understood by staff and key volunteers and evidence that SDS is aware of its current profile and position in terms of equity. As well as establishing accountability at the highest level within SDS there is the requirement to commit staff time and a budget. The SDS equity policy is a key document and every effort will be made to ensure that it is circulated widely within our organisation. Equity briefing and training sessions will be set up during the months ahead to supplement those already delivered. SDS has never yet been able to gather enough quality statistical data to produce an equity profile of athletes, volunteers, officials and coaches. Hopefully with the cooperation of key personnel within SDS the first SDS audit will be launched over the coming months and completed during 2007.

This National Standard will help to achieve an increased participation in sport from individuals and communities who are currently under represented. We all have a role to play in levelling the playing field and improving the pathways into sport for those who remain socially excluded. SDS seeks to engage, involve, promote and develop people from all sectors of society as athletes, coaches, officials, administrators and leaders. Hopefully as you are engaged in the process you will embrace the extra commitment willingly because of the enormous benefits for existing and potential members of SDS.

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