DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Introduction

Scottish Squash has been through an exceptional period of change and we believe that it is a truly exciting time for squash in Scotland. In 2019, the governing body embarked on a new four year strategy (Squash – A Sport for Health) based on a ten year vision for the sport. We have a clear vision, mission and shared values and at the heart of our strategy is our aim to ensure that everyone is made to feel welcome in the sport and there are no barriers to participation. We are committed and will continue to work with all our diversity and inclusion partners to make this possible.

Having initially achieved the Foundation level and subsequently the Preliminary level of the Equality Standard for Sport, the governing body – in light of its new vision, mission & shared values – reviewed its diversity and inclusion priorities and are currently working to deliver its 2020-23 Equality Action Plan. In early 2022, we were delighted to achieve the Intermediate level of the Equality Standard for Sport.

Mark Adderley, President & Equality Champion on the Board

Maggie Still, Chief Executive

Background

The Equality Standard: A Framework for Sport (the Standard) was launched by the UK sports councils in November 2004 to help address the inequalities that exist within the sports sector. It is a framework to guide sports organisations, including: governing bodies of sport, county sports partnerships (CSPs), sports councils and national sports organisations towards achieving equality.

Scottish Squash have been on a journey through the levels of the Equality Standard for Sport (ESfS) for several years, achieving Foundation in 2015; Preliminary in 2017; and most recently Intermediate in 2022.

Scottish Squash aim to lead by example, rooting out discrimination and bias in any squash facility or club across Scotland, ultimately driving a culture change making squash, and squash clubs, open and inclusive of everyone, regardless of their age, ability or disability, ethnicity or nationality, gender or gender identity, pregnancy or maternity, religion, sex or sexual orientation. Where discrimination and bias does exist, it will be challenged and addressed.

The Equality Action Plan is informed by Scottish Squash membership data. This plan focusses in particular on making squash more accessible for women and young people. Prioritising gender and age is central to Scottish Squash’s equality work because, as of February 2020, membership data showed that Squash in Scotland is:

  • 77% male (23% female)
  • 78% adult (22% junior)

Women and young people are significantly underrepresented in squash in Scotland; therefore, these are the priorities for intervention. However, Scottish Squash recognises that, beyond this, a wider range of communities experiences barriers to taking part in squash and will continue to understand those and put measures in place to ensure everyone can enjoy taking part in the sport across Scotland in the short, medium and long term.