March 19, 2024

Aims and Objectives

Bedfordshire Beekeepers Association (Beds BKA), registered charity 1184466, is committed to the promotion of equality of opportunity in the Association’s activities.

Beds BKA recognises that equal opportunities can help members to develop their full potential.  Utilising the talents and resources of the members more fully will also benefit the organisation.

Policy

  1. Beds BKA values the diversity of the people in the county and is committed to the principles and practice of equality. We aim to make our membership, activities, and resources accessible and useful to all regardless of:
    • age
    • gender reassignment
    • being married or in a civil partnership
    • being pregnant or on maternity leave
    • disability
    • race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin
    • religion or belief
    • sex
    • sexual orientation

However, in practice safety and safeguarding considerations may place some necessary conditions on this commitment as regards age and disability.  For example, we ask that children should normally be ten years or older to visit the Association apiaries, and all those under eighteen be under the supervision of a parent, guardian or responsible adult.  A membership rule for Student Members under eighteen gives details of adult supervision.  Special arrangements and help in situations of practical beekeeping might well be necessary for people with certain disabilities, given its physical nature, possible hazards and responsibilities.

  1. Beds BKA opposes all forms of discrimination, including direct or indirect discrimination, bullying, harassment or victimisation (see https://www.gov.uk/workplace-bullying-and-harassment for more information).
  2. All members of the Association will be treated fairly and will not be discriminated against.
  3. Decisions on membership, membership benefits, and selection for office will be made objectively and without discrimination.  Members standing for any office will be selected on ability and aptitude for post.

Implementation

The Trustees of the Association have specific responsibility for the effective implementation of this policy and expect all members to abide by the policy to create a fair environment where diversity is welcomed.

To help create an inclusive environment where all can be valued, the Trustees have outlined a code of conduct separate to this policy which can be found as an appendix to the Rules of the Association which can be viewed on the Beds BKA website.

In order to implement this policy Beds BKA will:

    • Communicate the policy to all members through its website and other publications
    • Endeavour to ensure that it will not consciously or unconsciously discriminate in matters of membership, noting that the Constitution of the Association states that membership is “open to anyone who is interested in furthering its purposes” (9.1), while reserving some powers for trustees to refuse or terminate membership
    • Endeavour, through application of the policy, to ensure that it will not consciously or unconsciously discriminate in the delivery of any of its activities or resources
    • Incorporate equal opportunities principles into general communications and publications
    • Ensure that resources are made available to fulfil the objectives of the policy.

Review

The Committee of the Association will aim to review the policy and its effectiveness annually, taking action as necessary.

Complaints

Members who believe that they have suffered any form of discrimination as defined within this policy may raise the matter with any trustee.  Every effort will be made to ensure that members who make complaints will not be victimised. Any complaints of discrimination will be dealt with seriously, promptly and confidentially by a specially convened group of three trustees.

Last review: April 2023

Developed, with thanks, from the policy of the Scottish Beekeepers Association.