Andover U3A

Statement

1.   The Andover U3A is committed to providing life-enhancing and life-changing opportunities for retired and semi-retired people when they come together to learn, not for qualifications, but for its own reward: the sheer joy of discovery!

Members share their skills and life experiences: the learners teach and the teachers learn, and there is no distinction between them. The Andover U3A recognises that some people might experience discrimination and harassment. We are committed to making sure our group is as inclusive and welcoming as possible.

Aims of Policy

2.   The Andover U3A considers that no member should suffer disadvantage, or receive less favourable treatment on the basis of:

•   Ethnic origin

•   Nationality (or statelessness) or race

•   Disability

•   Religion or belief (including the absence of belief)

•   Marital or civil partnership status

•   Sexual orientation

•   Gender reassignment

•   Class or socio-economic status

•   Political belief

Practical Approaches to Inclusion

3.   Membership of The Andover U3A is open to older and retired individuals interested in furthering the work of The U3A, provided that they agree to abide by our Constitution, and any conditions properly imposed by the Committee, and pay the annual subscription as determined by the Committee and confirmed at an Annual or Special General Meeting.

4.   The Andover U3A will make sure all new members are aware of our Equality Policy and Code of Conduct.

5.   The Andover U3A will take reasonable measures and practical approaches to ensure a wide range of eligible people take part in our activities and meetings. This may include:

a.   Consideration of the time of day of meetings.

b.   Use of suitable venues for meetings - considering:

(1)   Accessible for wheelchair users;

(2)   Access to a PA system and a hearing loop.

c.   Publicity:

(1)   Making it easy to read;

(2)   Availability of information to people who don’t have access to the Internet;

(3)   Use a range of images that reflect the local community.

d.   Tasks and Roles:

(1)   To make sure a range of people get their voices heard;

(2)   Encouraging everyone to take on roles, such as group leader and committee member.

Code of Conduct

6.   The Andover U3A has a Code of Conduct. Sexist, racist, homophobic, trans-phobic or otherwise offensive and inflammatory remarks and behaviour are not acceptable. These constitute harassment and have no place in The Andover U3A.

7.   If any member of The Andover U3A feels that they have been discriminated against by a member of The Andover U3A, or harassed at an Andover U3A 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 take part in conducting the investigation).

8.   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 facility.

9.   If the complaint is against The Andover U3A as a whole, the Committee must work to ensure that such discrimination is not repeated in the future and must inform the membership of how they propose to do this.

10.   Any decision to exclude a person from the organisation due to discriminatory or harassing behaviour will be made with reference to The Andover U3A’s Constitution. The Committee 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.