Equity

 

The Equality Standard for Sport
 

The Scottish FA is fully committed to promoting equity. Fairness, justice, respect for each other, inclusion, addressing inequalities and removing barriers are just some of the principles of equity that influence the Scottish FA’s development, delivery and decision making.

The Scottish FA believes that everybody should have the opportunity to participate in physical activity, sport and from a Scottish FA perspective football, and that no individual should be discriminated against for reason such as age, disability, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

The Equality Standard is a vehicle for widening participation and opportunities especially for underrepresented groups such as women, ethnic minority groups and individuals with severe and complex needs.

Everyone within the Scottish FA is reminded that they have a critical role to play within the process. Accountability for Equity within the Scottish FA rests with the Chief Executive, but every person within the organisation should embrace the principles and processes to ensure successful delivery of the Standard.

The Scottish FA achieved Foundation Level in 2009, Preliminary level in 2012, and are now working towards Intermediate level. Intermediate level means that the Scottish FA is continuing to work on its action plan to address under representation as identified from the preliminary level audit. This level focuses on increasing opportunities for a diverse range of people both internally, within the organisation, and externally, with its membership. As well as establishing accountability at the highest level within the Scottish FA, there is the requirement to commit staff time and a budget.

The Scottish FA’s Equity policy is a key document which is at the basis of the way the company works, together with the “Statement of Intent”, which briefly summarises the action plan referred to above.

The National Standard will help to achieve an increase in participation in sport from individuals and communities who are currently under represented. We all have a role to play in “levelling the playing field” and improving the pathways into sport for those who remain socially excluded. The Scottish FA seeks to engage, involve, promote and develop people from all sectors of society such as athletes, coaches, officials, administrators and leaders.

Hopefully as you are engaged in the process you will embrace the extra commitment willingly because of the enormous benefits for the existing, and potential members of the Scottish FA.
 

Stewart Regan
Chief Executive