About Us: Quality Standards
Equality Standard
The first ever Equality Standard was launched in November 2004 by Lord
Carter. It is a framework for assisting sports organisations to widen access
and reduce inequalities in sport and physical activity from under represented
individuals, groups and communities especially women and girls, ethnic
minority groups and disabled people. It is based around 2 broad themes; ‘developing
your organisation’ and ‘developing your services’ and
there are four levels of achievement; Foundation, Preliminary, Intermediate
and Advanced.
To achieve any of the four levels, relevant evidence must be submitted and verified across functional areas. The exact process and validation of the Equality Standard will depend on the level being strived for. A formal accreditation process has been developed including the use of an independent panel.
How Merseyside Sports Partnership is achieving and maintaining the standard
Merseyside Sports Partnership achieved the Foundation level of the Equality Standard in July 2007 and has submitted a portfolio for the Preliminary level. Numerous partners have helped evidence these portfolios including full support from the Merseyside Sport Partnership Board members.
“We will address barriers to participation and promote positive interventions to ensure under represented communities have the opportunity to participate in their chosen activities. In order to achieve this we will produce and implement a robust equality action plan for staff, volunteers and key stakeholders”
Jean Stephens – Director of Merseyside Sports Partnership
What are the benefits of the Standard?
- Provide a framework for achieving equality in sport
- Ensure democracy and the sound governance of the sport
- Increase the number of participants, members, coaches, officials, spectators and volunteers by reaching new audiences
- Help meet legal duties thereby reducing the likelihood of litigation
- Enhance skills and knowledge base of staff and volunteers
- Increase active involvement in equality at every level
- Improve equality practices through monitoring, evaluation and review methods
- Improve your chances of accessing funding and sponsorship (Sport England)
To read our Equity Statement please click
here.
For further information
» www.equalitystandard.org
» www.wsf.org.uk
» www.cre.gov.uk
» www.sportingequals.com
» www.efds.net
Child Protection
Merseyside Sports Partnership is committed to working towards
achievement of the National Standards for Safeguarding & Protecting
Children; a benchmark of good practice for sports organisations developed
by the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit. Having achieved the
Preliminary Level and Intermediate Level, we are committed to promoting
good practice in the care of children and young people in sport.
The purpose of the standards are:
- To help create a safe sporting environment for children and young people and protect them from harm.
- To provide a benchmark to assist those involved in sport to make informed decisions.
- To promote good practice and challenge practice that is harmful to children.
Below are links to our key Child Protection statements, and you can download
full documents also. If you are a child or young person who needs help,
please go to the Childline website or
the NSPCC
Helpline website.
If you are a sports club looking for more detailed information on child
protection in sport, please visit the Child
Protection in Sport Unit website. This includes links to excellent resources
and publications, including the Safesport Away guide for clubs taking
children and young people away on trips.
Click here (1.7MB) to view the Merseyside Sports Partnership Child Protection Policies and Procedure.
