Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy for Isle of Ely Rowing Club

Policy reviewed: 1 October 2026, updated 1 October 2026
Next review: 1 October 2027

Introduction

Isle of Ely Rowing Club is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion in our membership, and to eliminating unlawful discrimination.

The aim is for our membership to be representative of all sections of the rowing community, and for each member to feel respected and able to give their best.

The club – in providing services or facilities to non-members, such as through the hosting of events – is also committed to the prevention of unlawful discrimination against non-members or the public.

Members of Isle of Ely Rowing Club agree to abide by this policy.

Our policy’s purpose

This policy’s purpose is to:

  1. Provide dignity and respect for all members
  2. Prevent unlawful discrimination relating to the protected characteristics (as defined in the Equality Act 2010) of
    • age
    • disability
    • gender reassignment
    • marriage and civil partnership
    • pregnancy and maternity
    • race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin)
    • religion or belief
    • sex
    • sexual orientation

Our commitments

Isle of Ely Rowing Club commits to

  1. Encourage equality, diversity and inclusion at all levels of the club
  2. Make opportunities available equally to all members, taking account of their needs, who will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential.
  3. Create an environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all members are recognised and valued.

    This commitment includes making members aware of their responsibilities under this policy. All members should understand that they, as well as the club, are responsible for the prevention of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.

  4. Take seriously and address complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.
  5. Review annually how this policy is working in practice to achieve its aims and commitments, and take action to address any issues and to update the policy to take account of changes in the law.
  6. Monitor the club membership and leadership regarding protected characteristics, where this information is available, to assist in achieving the aims and commitments set out in this policy.

Reporting Procedures

  1. Initial Reporting
    Any concerns should be reported to the Club Welfare Officer as soon as possible, either face-to-face or via email.
  2. Concerns Regarding CWO
    If the concern relates to the conduct of the Club Welfare Officer, it should be reported directly to the club’s management committee.

The current holder of the CWO role can be found on the Club Leadership page.

Our response to violations of this policy

Failure to adhere to the principles outlined in this policy may result in disciplinary actions. The severity of the consequences will be determined based on the nature of the violation and will include one or more of the following:

  • Verbal or written warning
  • Temporary suspension from club activities or events
  • Permanent exclusion from the club
  • Other actions deemed appropriate by British Rowing

Diversity at Isle of Ely Rowing Club

54% of club members are female and 46% are male.

50% of the club management committee are female and 50% are male.

66% of the club trustees are male and 33% are female.

The make-up of many working groups at the club does not reflect gender parity. Our target is to work towards better gender balance within the working groups.

We are also committed to increasing the diversity of club membership and leadership, and will encourage various communities to become more actively involved in all aspects of Isle of Ely Rowing Club.