Equal Opportunity Policy

The RYA is committed to the principle of equality of opportunity.

The RYA aims to ensure that all present and potential participants, members, instructors, coaches, competitors, officials, volunteers, and employees are treated fairly and on an equal basis, irrespective of:

• Sex
• Age
• Disability
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sexual orientation
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Gender reassignment
• Social status

Core Values

The RYA’s four core values include Inclusivity – we work to ensure boating is accessible and attractive to the widest audience. We share our expertise, work with partners, and embrace diversity.

Our Commitment as RYA-affiliated Organisations and Recognised Training Centres

We take equality seriously for the following reasons:

• The human case: All participants should feel welcome, whatever their background.
• The business case: To maintain and increase participation, organisations may need to promote themselves to a wider range of people and not rely solely on traditional recruitment routes.
• The funding case: Public and charitable funding bodies want assurance that grants benefit the entire community.
• The legal and financial case: Non-compliance with the Equality Act 2010 risks reputational damage and legal action due to discrimination.

Achievements

The RYA was the first National Governing Body to achieve the Advanced Level of the Equality Standard for Sport, established by the Sports Councils as a benchmark for governing bodies they fund. In 2016, the award recognised the RYA’s commitment to increasing diversity among participants in sailing and boating, its staff, and committees. While progress has been made, more remains to be done.

Objectives

• To make boating an activity that is genuinely open to anyone who wishes to take part.
• To provide the framework for everyone to enjoy the sport in whatever capacity and to whatever level the individual desires.
• To ensure that the RYA’s services, including training schemes, are accessible to all, including those previously underrepresented.

Policy Statement

The Royal Yachting Association is committed to the principle of equality of opportunity and aims to ensure that all participants, members, instructors, coaches, competitors, officials, volunteers, and employees are treated fairly and equally, irrespective of sex, age, disability, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership, gender reassignment, or social status.

Implementation

• The RYA encourages its affiliated clubs and recognised training centres to adopt a similar policy, ensuring they are seen as friendly, welcoming, and open to all.
• Appointments to voluntary or paid positions will be based on an individual’s knowledge, skills, experience, and the competencies required for the role.
• The RYA will relax regulations in training schemes when necessary to support candidates with special needs, as long as the standards, quality, and integrity of schemes and assessments are not compromised.
• The RYA reserves the right to discipline members or employees who engage in any form of discrimination in breach of this policy.
• The effectiveness of this policy will be monitored and evaluated on an ongoing basis.