‘Reasonable Adjustment’ Presented by: Owen Sedgwick-Jell
Contents Key principles Legislation - 2010 Equality Act Gleeson case - implications What is ‘adjustment’? What might be ‘reasonable’? Sharing information
Key Principles Woodcraft Folk groups should seek to be inclusive of all children and young people ‘Reasonable Adjustment’ derives from the 2010 Equality Act We may need to do or change things to include some children & young people (or ensure that they could be included)
Protected Characteristics Sex Gender Reassignment Religion/ Belief Disability Age Race Marriage/Civil Partnership Sexual Orientation
Protected Characteristics Sex Gender Reassignment Religion/ Belief Disability Age Race Marriage/Civil Partnership Sexual Orientation
Protected Characteristics Disability Mental or physical impairment Substantial and long-term effect on day-to-day activities
The Gleeson Case (2017) Parents of a child with autism received an out-of-court settlement of £42k from a local cub scout group Parents argued 121 supervision required by the group was excessive Also claimed breach of right to privacy Extensive media coverage Not a legal verdict = no case law
‘Adjustment’ might include... A more accessible venue Adapting (or not doing) certain activities Adjusting adult:child ratios Seeking additional volunteers Providing a choice of activities Changes to your group guidelines Considering how you communicate Additional training for volunteers
‘Reasonable’ shouldn’t mean... That we ask more of volunteers than they are willing/able to offer Compromising our Aims & Principles Changing the fundamental nature of our provision Ignoring the needs of others Holding your group to the same standard as a public body
Understanding Needs Health and consent forms are part of understanding any additional need Discuss and explore with the young person, and parent/carer Do they receive additional support at school? What helps? What makes it harder? Observe and reflect in your planning
Top Tips Be led by the young person Engage in a conversation - be clear about sharing information Communicate what you are doing Assess risks realistically - to reduce and manage rather than eliminate risk
Further Information equalityhumanrights.com/en/advice-and-guidance woodcraft.org.uk/resources/inclusion-webinars Inclusion questions - leader handbooks Accessibility checklist Other leaders - in person and online Specialist organisations e.g. Scope, Mencap, NDCS Local organisations, parents & young people themselves!
Questions, Comments? Owen Sedgwick-Jell UK Projects Manager owen@woodcraft.org.uk