Equal Opportunities Policy

Amity Reading Club's Equal Opportunity Policy has been formatted for the Web, and is set out below.  Click on the links to go to the section you require.

1. Statements

1. Amity Reading Clubs provide literacy tuition to adults with special learning difficulties, on a one-to-one basis using Volunteers, in a Club setting, under the direction of an experienced Supervising Tutor.

2. Amity is committed to equality of access to and provision of its educational and social support services, regardless of sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, age or disability.

3. Amity encourages an awareness of Equal Opportunities issues amongst its members.

2. For Students this means:-

1. Recruitment on the basis of need.

2. Autonomy in the setting of their literacy goals.

3. Careful matching of their literacy and social needs to the skills of an appropriate volunteer.

4. Continuity of Volunteer support.

5. Access to services of the Club's Social Support Policy.

6. Assistance in travelling safely to and from Club venues.

7. The right to express views and opinions equally, during the coffee breaks and other periods of social activity or events, and have their views respected.

3. For Volunteers this means:-

1. Recruitment on the basis of Literacy skills and aptitude.

2. Careful matching of their literacy tuition and social skills, with the needs of the Student they are teaching regularly.

3. Ongoing tutorial training.

4. Attendance at the regular training seminars.

5. The right to be advised and where appropriate involved in the provision of "Social Support" to the Student they are teaching regularly.

4. For Supervising Tutors and their Deputies this means:-

1. After gaining experience as a Volunteer, to be selected for appointment on the basis of skill, aptitude and a commitment to Amity Reading Clubs, its work and policies.

2. Membership of the Amity Reading Clubs Management Committee by right of office.

5. The Management Committee

1. The Amity Reading Clubs Management Committee has overall responsibility for the policy, management and operation of the Literacy Scheme.

2. Day to day management of the project is delegated to the officers; the Founding Organisers and the Secretary.

3. The Management Committee believe that effective implementation of the Clubs' Equal Opportunities Policy is the responsibility of every member of the organisation, whether they be Members of the Management Committee, Volunteers or Students. The Committee will ensure therefore that its policies are communicated fully to all its members.

6. Grievance Procedure

1. In the first instance, grievances should be raised with the Supervising Tutor of the Club concerned.

2. It the complainant is not satisfied with the response, the matter should be referred to the Founding Organisers who will convene a Tribunal made up of members of the Management Committee who have not dealt with the matter before.

3. The decision of the Tribunal shall be final.