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Scottish Rugby Union achieves success in sports equity

Wednesday 7 February 2007

The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) has proved its dedication to sports equity by achieving the Foundation level of the Equity Standard: A Framework for Sport.

The award is recognition of the commitment by the Scottish Rugby Union to provide equality of access and opportunities to take part in sport at all levels for all groups in Scottish society. The Equity Standard exists to ensure that opportunities within sporting organisations and sport in Scotland will be open and accessible to all, regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age or social background.

The Equity Standard was previously piloted with twelve Scottish governing bodies, and the SRU is the first outwith this pilot to achieve Foundation level.

To be awarded the Foundation level of the Standard, organisations must demonstrate that they are committed to equity. Practically, this involves taking action, including the publication and communication of an equity policy, setting accountability for equity at a senior level, and taking steps to better understand the equity position and profile of the organisation.

Julia Bracewell OBE, Chair of sportscotland, said: “Our congratulations go to the Scottish Rugby Union for not only achieving the Foundation level of the Equity Standard but also being the first non-pilot Scottish governing body to do so.

“It’s encouraging to see that ten Scottish governing bodies have now successfully achieved the Standard. sportscotland is committed to ensuring equity across Scottish sport and we look forward to supporting the remaining governing bodies as they work towards this achievement.”

Throughout 2007/2008 the Scottish Rugby Union will work towards the achievement of the Preliminary level of the Standard. sportscotland is currently supporting the SRU plus the other nine sports that have achieved Foundation level as they work towards the Preliminary level.

  • The Equity Standard was launched in November 2004, and is a joint initiative between the four home country Sports Councils and UK Sport. It aims to support the work of the sports sector by providing a framework for sports organisations to help them to engage with people from all backgrounds, break down barriers to participation, and promote more equitable practices in their sports.
  • The aims of the Equity Standard support the overall strategic visions of Sport 21 2003-2007, the National Strategy for Sport in Scotland, one of which is for Scotland to be a country where sport is more widely available to all.
  • In April 2006, the Scottish Equestrian Association, Triathlon Scotland and Basketball Scotland were three of the first organisations in the UK to achieve the Foundation level award. The Scottish Cyclists Union, the Scottish Canoe Association, Scottish Gymnastics, the Scottish Hockey Union, Scottish Swimming and the Royal Yachting Association Scotland have also achieved Foundation level. Scottish Athletics Ltd, the Scottish Amateur Rowing Association and the Scottish Judo Federation are currently working towards this level.
  • Progress through the Equity Standard is not yet a condition of sportscotland investment, but this link to investment is likely to emerge in due course.