The British Canoe Union (BCU) and Canoe England has joined a 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 four levels of accomplishment; Foundation, Preliminary, Intermediate and Advanced.
The Preliminary standard means that as an organisation, the BCU is clear about what it needs to do to achieve equality, it understands the issues and barriers faced by under-represented groups in sport and has a robust equality action plan which all staff, volunteers and key stakeholders understand.
Evidence was submitted to independent Equality Standard Verifiers who determined that the BCU had demonstrated a commitment to equality and diversity.
The Equality Standard is a vehicle for widening access and increasing participation and involvement in canoeing by under represented individuals, groups and communities, especially women and girls, ethnic minority groups and disabled people. The BCU now has the appropriate policies, structures, processes and procedures in place to ensure continuous improvement in equality.
Paul Owen, Chief Executive of the BCU comments,
“Canoeing is an inclusive sport and recreation that offers something for everyone. The accomplishment of driving towards and achieving the Preliminary Equity Award shows that we are encouraging everyone to get engaged in the sport, either as a recreational canoeist, an athlete, a volunteer or a coach."
Three year BCU Equity Plan
Two year detailed BCU Equity Plan