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students in their union: clubs and societies handbook 2002/3Chapter 6: Equal OpportunitiesThis chapter will focus on: The Law Barriers to involvement Complaints and disciplinaryproceduresThe ethos of equal opportunities is not to treat everybody the same, as this will produce its own inequalities. Equalopportunities is about ensuring that any individual is not treated less favourably than any other individual.Students’ unions are under a legal duty to ensure that they practice equality of opportunity when providing a service fortheir members. Clubs and societies are included in this and when organising activities or events it is important that thinkabout how to be more accessible and involve a diverse population of students. There will however be some good equalopportunity reasons why this should be restricted, i.e. women’s groups and Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual groups.the lawThere are three key pieces of UK legislation that you should be aware of:• Sex Discrimination Act 1975• Race Relations Act 1976 and Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000• The Disability Discrimination Act 199535
students in their union: clubs and societies handbook 2002/3The Equal Opportunities Commission, the Commission for Racial Equality and the Disability Rights Commissionall recommend in their codes of practice that any organisation that employs staff should have an equal opportunitiespolicy. Your students’ union will have an equal opportunities statement or policy that will help you in running yourclub or society.exampleBelow is a copy of the Liverpool Guild’s Equal Opportunity Policy, as passed at Guild Council in March 2001.As with all Guild policies, societies should ensure all of their activities comply with the points below.policy1. There shall be no act of discrimination or activities of the Guild of Students on the grounds of creed, colour,ethnic or national origins, sex, sexual orientation, politics, marital status, family responsibility, HIV status, oragainst any individual or group of people.2. In support of the aim of (1) above the Guild shall assist and give full support to groups or individuals, whichsuffer discrimination on any grounds.3. Any individual or group which is found to have discriminated, harassed or abused another, shall bebrought before the Discipline Committee of the Guild which shall determine what action should be taken.4. The Guild shall promote equal opportunities in its employment policy and amongst its members and staff.5. It is the responsibility of all members of the Executive and Council of the Guild to see that this policyis implemented.barriers to involvement<strong>University</strong> is a great opportunity to participate in a diverse community and take part in various student activities.However if you want to increase your membership you may want to consider why some groups of students are discouragedfrom joining your club or society. It may mean you need to communicate to students slightly differently orthink about how your activities could be made more accessible.Barriers to your society could exist in the following ways: communication social events meetings publicity recruitment culture of the society36
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