Equality Policy.

Stance Jiu Jitsu Academy is fully committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion among our workforce, members, participants, and volunteers (collectively referred to as our ‘Stakeholders’), and to eliminating unlawful discrimination in all its forms.

Our goal is to create an inclusive environment that reflects all sections of society one where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered to give their best.

In providing our space and services, Stance Jiu Jitsu Academy is dedicated to ensuring that no customer, member of the public, or Stakeholder is subject to unlawful discrimination.

Purpose of This Policy:

  • Promote equality, fairness, and respect for everyone in our community.

  • Provide a welcoming, inclusive space free from discrimination.

  • Eliminate any form of discrimination under the Equality Act 2010, including the protected characteristics of:

    • Age

    • Disability

    • Gender reassignment

    • Marriage and civil partnership

    • Pregnancy and maternity

    • Race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin)

    • Religion or belief

    • Sex and sexual orientation

  • Eliminate discrimination based on socio-economic background, ensuring that everyone feels equal, safe, and welcome.

  • Actively oppose and prevent all forms of unlawful discrimination.

Our Commitments at Stance Jiu Jitsu Academy:

  • Foster equality, diversity, and inclusion as core values in our academy and community.

  • Take action to eliminate discrimination, including:

    • Direct discrimination – treating someone less favourably due to a protected characteristic.

    • Indirect discrimination – applying a policy or rule that disadvantages certain individuals unfairly.

    • Bullying – using power to humiliate or undermine others.

    • Victimisation – punishing someone for raising concerns or complaints in good faith.

    • Harassment – unwanted behaviour that violates dignity or creates a hostile environment, including sexual harassment. This may also be subject to criminal law under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

All forms of discrimination toward any Stakeholder at Stance Jiu Jitsu Academy will be treated as serious misconduct. Complaints will be taken seriously and addressed promptly and appropriately.

We will continue to:

  • Maintain a training environment free from bullying, harassment, victimisation, and unlawful discrimination.

  • Promote dignity, respect, and appreciation for differences among all Stakeholders.

  • Provide training and guidance to staff, coaches, and volunteers to ensure understanding of their rights and responsibilities under this policy.

  • Offer equal opportunities for development and progression, with decisions based on merit and free from bias, except where specific exceptions are legally permitted.

Complaints Procedure:

Any Stakeholder who feels they have experienced unfair treatment under this policy is encouraged to raise the issue through our formal grievance process. All concerns will be investigated thoroughly, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken where necessary. Anyone submitting a complaint in good faith will not face retaliation. However, knowingly false or malicious claims will be addressed accordingly.

Updated: 22 December 2025
Stance Jiu Jitsu Academy