We began last year to look at ways of improving our reach in terms of inclusion of minority groups in the BWY. We started with a survey of members and volunteers to gain more information on our current profile and below is a summary of the results.
British Wheel of Yoga - Audit Report Executive Summary
Audit surveys were circulated to staff, primary volunteers, trustees and members of the BWY. The surveys were available in hard copy, Microsoft Word and online survey format and asked demographic questions based on those questions used in the census. Staff, volunteers, trustees and members were asked questions on the six equality strands (age, gender, disability, ethnic group, sexuality and religion or belief). Members were asked questions on four strands (age, gender, disability and ethnic group) The survey also offered the opportunity to highlight any equality issues in relation to experiences in working in Yoga. The responses to the equality audit were collated and analysed to identify the equality profile of the organisation.
The total workforce to respond to the audit was 46, which includes staff, trustees and volunteers. The overall profile indicates the majority are white, middle aged and female.
It is recommended that staff, trustees and volunteers undergo some equality briefing or training sessions to help underline how the data will be used. In order to achieve the Foundation level of the Equality Standard for NGBs in Sport, there needs to be a commitment to equality at the highest level within the organisation.
The response rate to the audit from members was higher, with 6.3% (n=489) of members providing a response. The average member of the BWY is female, aged between 45 and 64 years, white British and does not have a disability.
It is clear that both the staff and membership of the BWY does not reflect the broader population. Therefore consideration is now being given to what realistic actions the BWY can take to work towards a more representative membership.
So what are the next steps? At its January 2010 meeting, the National Executive Committee agreed to getting started straight away. As part of the next stage of the project we will be
- Setting up pilot projects in the regions to target funding for the provision of yoga classes for minority and underprivileged groups - East Midlands Region is currently working on an Outreach project proposal for the Nottingham area
- Getting together small groups of members who may have ideas on how the BWY can tackle equality issues at a grass roots level.
Did you express an interest in helping us when you took part in the survey? If so, please contact Helen Smith on helen1smith@btinternet.com
