Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

Purpose and Scope

Scottish Esports is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best.

This policy applies to all members of staff who are full-time or part-time, temporary or permanent, consultants, board members, volunteers and contractors who work in any of the premises of Scottish Esports.

This policy also applies to players selected for Scottish Esports national teams while they are representing Scottish Esports.

Scottish Esports also applies this policy to how it runs its activities, online and in person, including its competitions, tournament platform, broadcasts, Discord and events. Everyone who takes part in or attends these activities, including players, Team Managers and spectators, will be treated fairly and without discrimination. Their own behaviour is covered by the Scottish Esports Code of Conduct and, in competitions, the General Competition Rules, rather than by this policy.

Our Commitments

The organisation commits to:

• Encourage equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace as they are good practice and make business sense.
• Create a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all.
• Make decisions concerning staff based on merit (apart from in any necessary and limited exemptions and exceptions allowed under the Equality Act).
• Make opportunities for training, development and progress available to all staff, who will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential.
• Review employment practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness.

Protected Characteristics

It is unlawful to discriminate against anyone because of the following protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act 2010:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin)
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

Additional Protections: Although not listed as protected characteristics under the Equality Act, Scottish Esports also commits not to discriminate against the following groups:

• Looked after children and adults from care.
• Carers (e.g., of a disabled child, elderly parent, or family member).
• Those of varying socioeconomic status.
• Those who are gender fluid or non-binary.

Types of Discrimination

Discrimination can occur in a variety of ways. Scottish Esports recognises the following definitions to ensure staff are aware of their rights and responsibilities:

• Direct Discrimination: Occurs when a person is treated less favourably than another because of a protected characteristic.
• Direct Discrimination by Association: Occurs where a person is treated less favourably because they are linked or associated with a person who has a protected characteristic.
• Direct Discrimination by Perception: Occurs where a person is wrongly thought to have a particular protected characteristic.
• Indirect Discrimination: Occurs when there are rules or arrangements in place that apply to everyone, but that put someone with a protected characteristic at an unfair disadvantage.
• Harassment: Unwanted behaviour linked to a protected characteristic that violates someone’s dignity or creates an offensive environment for them.
• Victimisation: Treating someone unfairly because they have complained about discrimination or harassment.

Responsibilities

All staff should understand that they, as well as their employer, can be held liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.

Responsibilities include staff conducting themselves to help the organisation provide equal opportunities in employment, and prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination. Specific responsibility for the implementation of the policy lies with the board, managers, and staff involved in recruitment and training.

Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures

Scottish Esports takes seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by fellow employees, customers, suppliers, visitors, the public and any others in the course of the organisation’s work activities.

• Informal Resolution: Any employee who feels that this policy has not been effectively applied is encouraged to approach their line manager in the first instance on an informal basis.
• Formal Grievance: Matters can be raised formally through the organisation’s grievance procedure.
• Disciplinary Action: Acts of discrimination will be dealt with as misconduct under the organisation’s disciplinary procedures. Particularly serious complaints could amount to gross misconduct and lead to dismissal without notice.
• Activities and Events: Anyone taking part in or attending our activities who experiences or witnesses discrimination can raise it by emailing safeguarding@scotesports.org.

Monitoring

We will monitor the make-up of the workforce regarding information such as age, sex, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and disability in encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion. Monitoring will include assessing how the policy is working in practice, reviewing it annually, and taking action to address any issues.