PURPOSE To eliminate discrimination or harassment in the Club based on personal characteristics including race, gender, marital/parental status, physical or intellectual impairment, same sex preference, age, or political associations or beliefs. POLICY STATEMENT Glenelg Yacht Club supports equal opportunity for all persons, and will make decisions based on a person’s skills with disregard to personal characteristics including race, gender, marital/parental status, physical or intellectual impairment, same sex preference, age, or political affiliation or beliefs. All members of the Club are expected to treat all people with respect and not to discriminate directly or indirectly against people based on personal characteristics including those listed. Any person engaging in behaviour deemed as racially vilifying, homophobic, or discriminatory will encounter disciplinary action, which may include expulsion from the club. PROCEDURES Complaints relating to equal opportunity will be dealt with as most serious and may require the involvement of an independent mediator. Internally, formal complaints should be received by the Commodore (unless the complaint directly concerns the Commodore) On receiving a complaint the Commodore will decide whether • they are the most appropriate person to receive and handle the complaint; • the nature and seriousness of the complaint warrants a formal resolution procedure; • to appoint a person to investigate (gather more information on) the complaint; • to refer the complaint to mediation; • to refer the complaint to the Committee for action; • to implement any interim arrangements that will apply until the complaint process set out in these procedures has been completed Regardless of the process adopted, it will be based on the principles of justice where: Both the complainant and the respondent must know the full details of what is being said against them and have the opportunity to respond Decision maker(s) must be unbiased, fair and just