Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

North London Sailing Association

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Policy

1. Policy Statement

North London Sailing Association (NLSA) is fully committed to safeguarding the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across all aspects of its operations. We aim to ensure that all members,volunteers, contractors and visitors are treated fairly, with respect, and are provided equal access to our facilities, training programmes, and racing events.  No individual will be unlawfully discriminated against, harassed, or victimised on the grounds of any protected characteristic as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010.

2. Legal Framework & Protected Characteristics

This policy is built to align with the RYA Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion guidelines and

complies with the UK Equality Act 2010. We explicitly prohibit discrimination based on the nine legally protected characteristics:

Age: Protecting all members from age-based exclusion or unfair treatment.

Disability: Ensuring that reasonable adjustments requested by members with a disability (to include but not limited to physical disabilities, mental disabilities and those who are neurodivergent) are met wherever it is reasonably possible and proportionate to do so.

Gender Reassignment: Respecting and supporting transitioning and transitioned

individuals. 

Marriage and Civil Partnership: Treating all relationship statuses equally.

Pregnancy and Maternity: Accommodating needs during pregnancy and early

parenthood.

Race: Encompassing colour, nationality, ethnic origin, or national origins.

Religion or Belief: Respecting religious practices and philosophical beliefs.

Sex: Providing equal opportunities for men, women, and non-binary participants where

applicable.

Sexual Orientation: Ensuring a welcoming atmosphere inclusive of all sexual orientations including LGBTQ+ individuals.

We also prohibit discrimination based on socio-economic background, background, or

geographic location.

3. Types of Discrimination

We actively stand against and we do not tolerate and will take action against the following behaviours:

Direct Discrimination: less favourable treatment directly because of a protected characteristic.

Indirect Discrimination: When everyone's treated the same but people with a protected characteristic are put at a disadvantage.

Harassment: Unwanted or offensive behaviour related to a protected characteristic.

Victimisation: Negative treatment as a result of being involved with a discrimination or harassment complaint.

Bullying: Offensive, intimidating, malicious, or insulting behaviour designed to

undermine or humiliate.

24. Complaints & Disciplinary Procedure

 If any member, visitor, or staff member believes they have witnessed or been subjected to discrimination, harassment, or exclusion they should report the matter immediately to the Committee by emailing the  Chair austin.howard@northlondonsailing.org or the Secretary lee.bennett@northlondonsailing.org

The NLSA reserves the right to discipline any of its members who practise any form of discrimination in breach of this policy, in line with the NLSA Disciplinary procedure Disciplinary Procedure and the Code of Conduct Code of Conduct 

All reports will be treated with confidentiality as far as reasonably practicable, investigated thoroughly, and handled impartially.

5. Monitoring & Review

This policy will be reviewed on an annual basis by the NLSA Committee to ensure it

remains up to date with legislative amendments and continues to foster an open, diverse culture within the sailing community.

Adopted on: 3 November 2026