Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
Document control | |
Policy reference | AU-POL-07 |
Version | 1.0 |
Approved by | Board of Directors, Apex Up CIC |
Date adopted | 4 June 2026 |
Last reviewed | 4 June 2026 |
Next review due | 4 June 2027 (or sooner if legislation or guidance changes) |
Policy owner | Director, Apex Up CIC |
Applies to | All directors, staff, sessional coaches, volunteers, students and anyone acting on behalf of Apex Up CIC |
Apex Up CIC Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
1 Policy statement
Apex Up CIC exists to remove barriers and open up opportunity for some of Birmingham’s most disadvantaged young people. Equality, diversity and inclusion are therefore at the heart of what we do. We are committed to treating everyone fairly and with respect, valuing difference, and making sure our activities are open and welcoming to all, whatever their background. We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment or victimisation of any kind.
2 Purpose and scope
This policy sets out our commitment to equality and how we put it into practice in our delivery, recruitment and everyday work. It applies to all directors, staff, coaches, volunteers, participants, parents and partners.
3 Our legal duties
We follow the Equality Act 2010, which protects people from discrimination on the basis of nine protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We aim to go beyond the minimum the law requires and to be actively inclusive.
4 Our commitments
We will:
- keep our core activities free or low cost, so that money is not a barrier to taking part; • make reasonable adjustments so that disabled people and those with additional needs can take part as fully as possible;
- provide dedicated sessions, such as our women’s and girls’ class, where these help people take part comfortably;
- recruit coaches and role models who reflect the communities we serve; • use inclusive language and imagery, and challenge stereotypes; and • recruit, support and develop staff and volunteers fairly and on merit.
5 Making our activities inclusive
We listen to our community and adapt what we offer in response — changing times, groups or sessions to remove barriers around cost, culture, confidence and safety. We welcome feedback from participants and families and use it to keep improving access, and we make sure new participants feel welcome and supported from their first session.
6 Unacceptable behaviour
Discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation are not acceptable in any form, including online. Concerns are taken seriously and dealt with through our Anti-Bullying, Complaints, Code of Conduct or Safeguarding procedures, as appropriate.
7 Responsibilities and review
The Board is responsible for this policy and for promoting an inclusive culture. All staff and volunteers are expected to follow it and to model inclusive behaviour. Anyone who
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Apex Up CIC Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
experiences or witnesses discrimination should report it to the Director. We review this policy at least annually.
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Apex Up CIC Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
Approval and adoption
This Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy has been approved and adopted by the Board of Directors of Apex Up CIC. It will be reviewed at least every twelve months, and sooner if there is a change in legislation, national or local guidance, or following any relevant incident or learning.
Policy reference | AU-POL-07 |
Version | 1.0 |
Date adopted | 4 June 2026 |
Next review due | 4 June 2027 |
Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors of Apex Up CIC:
Muhammed Zahir
Director, Apex Up CIC
Date: 4 June 2026