Equality
What is it?
British Cycling is committed to making cycling in the UK more equitable and available to everyone. Cycling in the UK is historically a white, male dominated sport. We are constantly working to change. Everyone should be free to participate in cycling regardless of their race, ability, religion, gender, sexuality or age.
Why?
• The UK has an increasingly diverse population - not all have an equitable representation in cycling.
• It is only fair and just that British Cycling represents all sections of the wider community.
• Everyone should have the opportunity to participate at recreational and competitive levels and to progress to an elite level in cycling.
• Participating in sport improves community relationships and the general health of the population
• Sport England and UK Sport have provided all National Governing Bodies with Equality Standards that must be met.
This agenda is being pushed forward by the British Cycling Equality Steering Group, which is chaired by the Chief Executive, Ian Drake.
When?
British Cycling has certain targets to meet from the Equality in Sport Standards. These are as follows
• Foundation Level - completed in June 2006
• Preliminary Level - completed December 2010
• Intermediate Level - target date for submission of June 2011
• Advanced Level - target date for submission of July 2013
Who?
British Cycling has a dedicated team working to ensure British Cycling will become more Equitable; both in terms of the organisation and the wider sport. If you have any queries please contact;
David Dunlop - Compliance Manager-0161 274 2084
Simon Thornton - Compliance Officer- 0161 274 2082
Alternatively, email the team at compliance@britishcycling.org.uk and entitle your email Equality.
Current Activity
1. Undertaking a pilot in the Lancaster area to increase the number of disabled people cycling through linking; Cycling Projects/ "Wheels for All", Go-Ride Clubs and Led Rides.
2. Undertaking a "Women in Coaching" development programme.
3. Targeting of Sky Rides in locations with high proportions of under-represented groups within cycling.
4. Additional female only competitive events
5. Through to the second phase of the "Women and Girls" Sport England Funding round to increase number of females in specific social circumstances to take up cycling.
British Cycling's Equality Policy
British Cycling's updated Equality Policy was adopted by the British Cycling Board on 08 December 2010 following consultation via the website. Download Equality Policy (50kb pdf)
Feedback: If you have any feedback or suggestions you'd like to make to the Compliance Team on how we can make British Cycling more equitable then please email compliance@britishcycling.org.uk and entitle your email Equality.
Equality Act and New British Cycling Equality Policy
In October 2010 the Equality Act became law, harmonising all Equality legislation in the UK. We have updated our Equality Policy to take account of the new legislation. The new act has created a number of new obligations for different organisations across all sectors.
In relation to sports clubs little has changed:
1. A cycling club should still have an "open doors" policy that does not unfairly limit membership to any under-represented groups in society
2. A cycling club should not hold events that would unfairly limit participation of under-represented groups in society.
The exceptions to this are where this is justified to increase participation of an under-represented group.
In practice applying the principles of the legislation can be difficult.
Don't panic- should you have any queries regarding the legislation, projects or events at your club or particularly sensitive issues then please contact the British Cycling Compliance Team. The Compliance Team will happily talk through any concerns you may have and guide you as appropriate. The Compliance Team are available on the contact details above.
