Equality Act 2010
The Equality Bill was published on 27th April 2009 and became an Act of Parliament on 8th April 2010. The Act is intended to provide a legislative framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all.
Last year England Golf took the opportunity to contribute to the consultation process and also provided an FAQ document that gave an interpretation of the impact of the Equality Bill and was produced in anticipation of the Bill becoming an Act of Parliament.
As a follow-up to this original document, England Golf have produced a guidance document on the 'Equality Act 2010 and Golf'.
Download the 'Equality Act 2010 and Golf'.
We should emphasise that this paper is a summary of how we consider it might affect golf and it should not replace legal advice tailored to your specific requirements.
It is clear that golf clubs will need to be aware of the requirements of the new legislation and comply with any relevant sections. England Golf have a role in helping clubs to address their responsibilities and to drive the process of equity forward. In future, golf clubs may be challenged legally on their approach to equality and it would be wise to be able to demonstrate the club’s commitment with clear evidence.
The Equality Act 2010 can be downloaded at www.equalities.gov.uk/equality_bill.aspx
The passing into law of the Equality Act 2010 necessitates the updating of the Buggy Policy Guidance Notes. All clubs must have legally effective policies in place in order to comply with the requirements of the Act. England Golf and the National Golf Clubs Advisory Association (NGCAA) have combined resources to produce guidance notes relating to golf course traffic and the usage of golf buggies.
The Equality Act 2010 and Proposals Regarding Age Discrimination
The government recently announced its proposals to bring into effect parts of the Equality Act which will ban age-related discrimination in private members' clubs from April 2012.
England Golf have responded to the government's request for feedback on the proposals following consultation with golf clubs.
Age Discrimination Update
February 2012
The Government has decided to delay a decision on implementation of its proposed ban on age discrimination in the provision of servces, which it had envisaged bringing into force in April 2012. This means that any ban is unlikely to come into effect before October 2012.
Ministers are still considering the scope for and content of any exceptions from the ban, in the light of responses to the consultation in 2011.
September 2012
From the 1 October 2012 a ban on age discrimination in the provision of goods, services and facilities under the Equality Act 2010 will come into force. At the same time, the government brought into force specific exceptions from the ban, on which it consulted in 2011. These exceptions will be very important for golf clubs.
England Golf and the National Golf Clubs Advisory Association (NGCAA) have jointly produced a guidance document ~ Age Discrimination Ban: Legal Update for Golf Clubs
The guidance is intended to help clubs better understand their responsibilities under the age discrimination provisions. Again, we should emphasise that this document is a summary of how we consider it might affect golf and it should not replace legal advice tailored to your specific requirements.
Further information can also be found on the Home Office website - http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/equalities/equality-act-publications/equality-act-guidance/
