Diversity and Inclusion Policy, Complaints Procedures & Terminology

Diversity and Inclusion

Conway LTC aims to ensure that all are treated fairly and with respect at the Club. Tennis should be enjoyed by everyone who wants to play the game, whatever the level. Accordingly, the Club encourages equal opportunities and does not accept discrimination by race, gender, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, nationality, religion or belief, ability or disability.

Conway LTC works to ensure that all members can join its programmes of activities, competitions and events. The Club Committee oversees implementation of this policy and keeps it under review.

Conway LTC will not tolerate harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation, physical or verbal. The Club aims to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action. Hence, the Club will:

1. investigate any complaint of discrimination brought to its attention and, where such a complaint is upheld, impose such sanctions as it judges appropriate;
2. take positive action where inequalities exist and aim to raise awareness in order to eradicate discrimination, support diversity and promote equality;
3. treat all members equally and expect their behaviour to reflect the Club’s policies and the requirements of relevant equalities legislation.

Complaints Procedure

If any member, visitor or person working at the Club feels they have suffered discrimination or harassment or that Club rules have been broken, they should follow the procedures below.

1. The Complainant should report the matter in writing to the Club Committee The report should include:
   1. details of the event, including when and where it took place;
   2. witness details and copies of any witness statements;
   3. names of any others who claim to have been treated similarly (provided they consent);
   4. details of any former complaints made about the incident, including the date and to whom such complaint was made;
   5. an indication as to the desired outcome.
2. On receiving a formal complaint, the Club Committee or designated representative(s):
   1. will request parties to the complaint to submit written evidence;
   2. may decide to uphold or dismiss the complaint without holding a hearing;
   3. may hold a hearing at which both parties can attend and present their case;
   4. may impose any of the following sanctions:
      • warn as to future conduct;
      • remove or suspend membership;
      • exclude a non-member from the Club – temporarily or permanently;
      • turn down a non-member’s current and/or future membership application.
3. The Committee will provide both parties with written reasons for its decision to uphold or dismiss the complaint within one month of the decision being made.
4. Either party may appeal regarding any decision (including one not to hold a hearing) by writing to Middlesex Tennis within 3 months of being notified of the Club’s decision.
5. If the complaint relates to the Club Committee or other group in the club, the Complainant has the right to report the concern directly to Middlesex LTA.

Relevant Terminology

Discrimination can be negative (direct or indirect) or positive.

• Direct discrimination is where a person in a group is harmed by being treated less favourably than others because of personal or cultural features including race, age, gender, disability, nature of partnership, sexual orientation, religion or belief, pregnancy/maternity or other difference.
• Indirect discrimination is where practices imposed by an organisation have a disproportionate negative effect on a particular person or group.
• Positive discrimination operates in favour of those who were formerly discriminated against.

Harassment refers to inappropriate behaviour or comment which may cause offence, hurt or anxiety to an individual. It may relate to any personal characteristic of an individual. Harassment is a criminal offence, punishable by a fine and/or a prison sentence.

Victimisation means treating an individual less favourably than others because that person has complained of discrimination, given evidence about such a complaint or raised a concern.

Prejudice involves pre-judgement. It usually arises from preconceived attitudes and opinions.

Stereotyping is labelling people because they are members of a particular ‘visible’ group, and assuming that they have particular traits that are considered to be characteristics of that group.

Social exclusion occurs when people or areas suffer from problems such as unemployment, lack of skills, low income, high crime environments or lack of facilities.

Positive action refers to strategies designed to counteract the effects of discrimination and help eradicate stereotyping. It aims to redress imbalance by providing extra help, exploring different approaches or promoting opportunities for disadvantaged groups.

Dignity demands respectful, fair and humane behaviour. It is central to the Club’s approach.

Updated November 2020.