Aims
The South Staffordshire Narrow Boat Co. Ltd’s narrow boat “Ernest Thomas II” is open to all users. We aim to help the passengers and crew to have an atmosphere of friendship, respect and care for each other. In particular, we aim to treat every person equally, regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
Accessibility
All our meetings and events are held in venues that are accessible to wheelchair users. When there are more than 40 people at an event we aim to use a PA system and a hearing loop. When we organise boat trips we provide places for carers of passengers who can only attend if they bring a carer.
We are committed to ensuring any user of the “Ernest Thomas II” is able to attend our activities, so we will reassess our access requirements to meet the needs of new passengers.
Diversity
Our company belongs to all members. We aim to organise a range of events and activities to suit the interests and meet the needs of a wide variety of people and ethnicities. The Company should be open to new ideas and particularly prioritise opportunities for passengers to share their cultural heritage with one another.
Inclusion and respect
Every passenger and crew member should be made to feel equally welcome and included at all our meetings and events.
Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic or otherwise offensive and inflammatory remarks and behaviour are not acceptable. These constitute harassment and have no place in the Company.
Dealing with discrimination and harassment
If any passenger or crew member feels they have been discriminated against by the Company or harassed at a Company event they should raise this with the committee.
The committee will investigate the complaint, listening to all members involved. (If the complaint is against a committee member, that member will not be part of conducting the investigation).
If the complaint is against a particular individual, this person will have the opportunity to express their point of view, accompanied by a friend. The person making the complaint will also have this opportunity.
If the complaint is against the Company as a whole, the Committee must work to ensure that such discrimination is not repeated in the future and must inform the members of how they propose to do this.
Any decision to exclude a person from the organisation due to discriminatory or harassing behaviour will be made with reference to the Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association. The Company will support people who feel they have been harassed or discriminated against and will not victimise or treat them less well because they have raised this.
This policy was adopted by agreement of the committee on 20th December 2023 and will be reviewed at least every 2 years.