Equal Opportunities Policy

1. Statement of Intent 

  1. Embark2 is committed to the principles and practices which support Equal Opportunities.  We aim to implement all aspects of such a policy in the way we operate to deliver our holidays and events.
  1. We recognise that any Equal Opportunities Policy on its own is insufficient to ensure equality of opportunity.  To take responsibility in promoting equality and diversity, it is essential that all the Embark2 Executive Team and volunteers are committed to taking positive steps to make our Equal Opportunities Policy effective.

2. Our Equal Opportunities Policy seeks to:

  1. Ensure that people are not discriminated against.
  2. Promote equality, diversity, and social inclusion.
  3. Ensure that all the Executive Officers and volunteers are aware of their own roles in its implementation.

3. In order to meet these aims, we will:

  1. Ensure that we become more aware of, and work to make other organisations more aware of, any inequality and the problems this may cause for us in delivering our holidays and events.
  1. Challenge any practices, legislation, institutions and working relationships which seek to discriminate against, or deny the rights of, individuals on grounds of sex, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital status, race, ethnicity, culture, maternity, nationality, political/philosophical or religious beliefs, trade union activity, disability, class, mental health or physical challenges, employment status or geographical location.
  1. Work to ensure that our holidays and events are provided in a way which promotes good practice and an awareness of the rights and needs of any members from minority groups which enables all members to access them.
  1. Encourage the provision and use of venues that provide access for any members with a physical disability or sensory impairment.
  1. Work to ensure that all our Executive Team and our terms and conditions for volunteers reflect a range of needs and interests of people from minority groups.
  1. Seek to challenge discrimination when it arises and to deliver our holidays and events in a way that will provide a positive influence.  We recognise that discrimination does take place in our society and are committed to ensuring that no member of our Embark2Executive Team, volunteer, or member will be discriminated against on any of the grounds listed above.
  1. Regularly review all our policies and practices and will develop and promote good practice in equal opportunities within all we do at Embark2.  This will include an annual review of our policies by the Executive Committee, together with a formal endorsement of any recommended future actions or policy. 

4. Embark2 Responsibilities:

4.1 It is the responsibility of anyone representing Embark2 to ensure the implementation of our Equal Opportunities Policy, and to challenge discriminatory practice or behaviour, particularly regarding the following:

  1. Access to Premises

We will endeavour, as far as is reasonable, to ensure that all premises we use for holidays and events are accessible for wheelchair users and have adequate facilities for those members with disabilities or sensory impairments.  Embark2 will request information regarding disability and access requirements when arranging holidays and events.

  1. Participation

We will make every effort to involve members from minority groups in all we do.

  1. Dealing with Discrimination

We will provide regular support and training to ensure that all our Executive Team and group/walk leaders will be aware of discrimination and harassment.

  1. Service Delivery

We are committed to providing quality holidays and events and to ensuring that the needs of all members are considered in their delivery and any improvements to them.

  1. Printed Materials

We will ensure that our printed materials are accessible to all our members.  Large print texts will be made available whenever practicable.  We will seek to ensure that no prejudicial wording, illustration, or implication is included in such material.

5. Legislative Framework 

Our Equality Opportunities Policy has regard to the various Codes of Practice for the elimination of discrimination, on the basis of any of the grounds listed, that have been approved by Parliament, and to the following relevant Parliamentary Acts:

  • Race Relations Acts 1976 amended 2000.
  • Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, amended 2020.
  • Sex Discrimination Act 1975 amended 1986.
  • Equal Pay Act 1970 and Equal Pay (Amendment) Regulations 1983.
  • Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
  • Human Rights Act 1998.
  • The Civil Partnership Act 2004.
  • The Gender Recognition Act 2004,
  • Equality Act 2010 updated 2019.

Effective Date: October 2025

Review Date: October 2026