Equality & Diversity Policy
Effective Date: Friday 19th September 2025
The Wooden Boatbuilders’ Trade Association (WBTA) is committed to the principle of equality of opportunity and diversity. We recognise that volunteers and committee members should not experience discrimination on any grounds. We believe that in all aspects of human interaction equality means treating everyone fairly and respecting individuals’ needs. Diversity is recognising that no two people are alike and that the distinctions between people should always be respected. We actively promote equality and diversity between our volunteers and committee members, as well as the community we work in..
To promote equality and diversity within the WBTA we will:
Encourage, value and manage diversity and to promote equality of opportunity in all areas of its work and structure, and will take positive action in the areas of employment and volunteering, representation, membership and service provision.
Recognise that many people in our society experience discrimination. It is our policy that no person or group of people should suffer oppression or lack or opportunity because of their gender, race, nationality, disability, sexuality, age, HIV status, class, geographical location, trades union activity, marital status, political activity or religious activity.
Believe that all forms of discrimination are unacceptable, regardless of whether there was any intention to discriminate or not.
Aims to provide an environment where all volunteers and committee members are valued and respected and where discrimination and harassment are not tolerated.
Recognise that The Equality Act 2010 identifies people who have an attribute defined as a ‘protected characteristic’ and prohibits discrimination against them by reason of that attribute. The characteristics that are protected by the Act are:
Disability
Age
Gender reassignment
Marriage and civil partnership
Pregnancy and maternity
Race (including ethnic origin, colour, nationality and national origin)
Religion and/or belief
Sex
Sexual orientation
Definitions
‘Equality’ means understanding and seeking to remove the different barriers to equal opportunities for different groups of people.
‘Discrimination’ is acting unfairly against a group or individual through actions such as exclusion, verbal comment, denigration, harassment, victimisation, a failure to appreciate needs or the assumption of such needs without consultation.
The term `disability’ applies to a person who has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out their normal day-to-day activities.
The Equality Act 2010 is the statute replacing previous anti-discrimination laws. It applies to all organisations that provide a service to the public, sell goods or provide facilities, irrespective of whether they charge for them.
Further information on The Equality Act 2010 can be found at here.
Implementation
It is the responsibility of the WBTA committee to implement this policy, and to review it bi-annually.
Volunteers and committee members have a duty to co-operate with the WBTA to ensure that this policy is effective in ensuring equal opportunities and in preventing discrimination. They should draw the attention of a member of the committee to suspected discriminatory acts or practices or cases of bullying or harassment.
The WBTA will ensure that the users of this policy are made aware of its contents and responsibilities by presenting it in a suitable form, offering an accessible copy where appropriate. All volunteers and committee members of the WBTA will be required to support our Equality and Diversity policy.
Training will be provided for committee members and volunteers on cultural awareness, disability awareness and other subjects that will develop from equality and diversity.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy occasionally. The latest version will always be available on our website. We recommend checking back periodically.