Working towards towards Working 2009-10 Annual Report The Second of 2012 the London Forum Equality and Diversity an inclusive inclusive an Games
Working towards an inclusive Games The Second Annual Report of the London 2012 Equality and Diversity Forum 2009-10
Working towards an inclusive Games
The Second Annual Report of the London 2012 Equality and Diversity Forum Greater London Authority August 2010
Published by Greater London Authority (London 2012 Equality and Diversity Forum) City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, More London, London SE1 2AA www.london.gov.uk enquiries 020 7983 4100 minicom 020 7983 4458 ISBN 978 1 84781 389 3 Printed on 9Lives 80 paper: 80 per cent recovered fibre and 20 per cent virgin TCF fibre sourced from sustainable forests; FSC and NAPM certified.
Cover photograph © The Olympic Delivery Authority.
2 Working towards an inclusive Games
Contents Foreword by Richard Barnes, Deputy Mayor of London and Chair of the London 2012 Equality and Diversity Forum 4
Executive Summary 8
Introduction 10
1 Businesses 13
2 Workforce 23
3 Service Delivery 37
4 Communities 49
5 Participants 59
Conclusion 74
Appendix i 75
Appendix ii 77
Appendix iii 79
3 Foreword by Richard Barnes, Deputy Mayor of London and Chair of the London 2012 Equality and Diversity Forum
As chair of the London 2012 Equality and Diversity Forum, I am proud to present the Forum’s second annual report. This report continues to highlight examples of good practice in increasing access and inclusion to a range of sporting, business, employment and volunteering opportunities presented by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
This year’s report comes at a particularly timely occasion as we mark ‘two years to go’ till the London 2012 Paralympic Games. This will be one of the biggest celebrations of disability sports in the United Kingdom.
This year’s report continues to highlight – which established gender equality examples of good practice in increasing champions at a leadership level that won the Opportunity Now access and inclusion to a range of sporting, Innovation Award; business, employment and volunteering opportunities. • details of the Mayor’s ‘Big Dance’ which will get Londoners fit through dance and ready to provide a warm Some of the key achievements within welcome to the world in London this report include: 2012;
• initiatives that have led to five • details of the work that is being per cent of women making up undertaken to make the recruitment contractors workforce on the drive for the London Organising Olympic Park; nationally the average Committee of the Olympic Games is between one and two per cent and Paralympic Games (LOCOG’s) (in March 2010). This includes the 70,000 volunteers and the 8,000 ODA’s gender equality programme London Ambassadors Volunteers
4 Working towards an inclusive Games
based in London, reflect the diversity All of this will go a long way towards of the people they will assist during ensuring that the 2012 Olympic and The Games; Paralympic Games are ‘the most accessible Games ever’ and leave a • the Government’s legacy plan, lasting impact on diverse communities London 2012: a legacy for disabled and to using the power of sport to people, which is the first of its inspire change. type and has been praised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). The plan sets out a number of initiatives aimed at harnessing the power of the Richard Barnes Games to improve the life chances of Deputy Mayor of London and disabled people in the run up to 2012 Chair, London 2012 Equality and and beyond; Diversity Forum
• and initiatives to provide sporting opportunities to 20 million young people by 2012 including PlaySport London which encourages people to try out new sports.
This is just a flavour of some of the achievements documented by the London 2012 Equality and Diversity Forum, whose members are: the Greater London Authority (GLA), the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), the Government Olympic Executive (GOE), the London Development Agency (LDA) and the Olympic Park Legacy Company (Legacy Company).
5 The London 2012 Equality and Diversity Forum
The Deputy Mayor of London leads a and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) bi-monthly Forum bringing together is the private sector company senior representatives from the main responsible for planning and staging bodies responsible for staging the the Games. Games and ensuring it leaves benefits long after the world’s best athletes These organisations are supported by: have left the stage. • The Greater London Authority Two organisations, working together (GLA), which is responsible for as ‘London 2012’, are at the heart of ensuring the Games leave a lasting what we are doing: and positive legacy for Londoners. The capital’s Deputy Mayor chairs • The Olympic Delivery Authority the London 2012 Equality and (ODA) is the public body responsible Diversity Forum. for building the venues, facilities and infrastructure for the Games. • The UK government, represented by the Government Olympic • The London Organising Executive (GOE) at the Committee of the Olympic Games Department for Culture, Media and
6 Working towards an inclusive Games
Sport, is the majority funder of the Olympic Park, through the Legacy Games. It established the ODA and Masterplan Framework, in the first the Olympic Lottery Distributor, half of 2009/10. and leads a cross-departmental programme to ensure a lasting • The Olympic Park Legacy legacy for the whole of the UK. Company (OPLC) was set up by the Mayor of London and • The London Development central Government in 2009 as a Agency (LDA) is the city’s commercially-focused, community- Regional Development Agency, minded organisation responsible helping Londoners benefit from the for the planning, development and many long-term opportunities the management of the Park after the Games offer. The LDA is investing 2012 Games. in programmes that will deliver employment and better skills, bring • The Equality and Human Rights benefits for business, encourage Commission (EHRC) sits on the greater participation in sport, and Forum as a ‘critical friend’. enhance cultural creativity, to drive the growth of the London economy. The LDA had responsibility for developing our vision for the
Panoramic aerial view of the Olympic Park looking north and showing all of the major Olympic venues. Picture taken on 30 June 2010 by Tom Last. © ODA
7 Executive Summary
This is the second annual report of the the Olympic Games and Paralympic London 2012 Equality and Diversity Games in this area. Forum, covering activity undertaken in the year from April 2009 to the end of That means no one being left out, or June 2010. feeling excluded from the great global celebration of sport that our country Our aim is to make London 2012 will host in the summer of 2012. everyone’s Games. This report sets out what we are doing That means an inclusive Games, with in five areas which are critical if we every venue accessible to all; where are to make London 2012 a Games for the social and economic benefits are all – for men and women, young and spread across east London, the rest of old, for disabled people, and people our capital city, and the whole of the of every ethnic background, faith or United Kingdom; and where everyone sexual orientation. can participate in the activities and enjoy the opportunities London 2012 is We want our success to be measured, already offering. so we can weigh up our performance against the challenges we have been Our task as a Forum is to unite the work set in these key areas. of the people responsible for staging
8 Working towards an inclusive Games
1 Businesses – including 4 Communities – including impact procurement, supplier diversity, on local people, especially in the monitoring and best practice Host Boroughs1, across London We are making sure the opportunities and the UK provided by the Games are spread as We are making sure that there are widely and fairly as possible. We will no barriers to anyone enjoying and do this by supporting programmes benefitting from the Games, its that help businesses across the UK long-term legacy and the cultural reap the rewards of staging the events that will accompany it. Games in London. The Host Boroughs cover some of the most cosmopolitan areas 2 Workforce – including jobs, skills of the country, so this will include and volunteering communities that have traditionally We are upholding the highest been under-represented, experienced standards of ‘best practice, in discrimination, or social exclusion. recruiting and building a diverse workforce, and ensuring opportunity 5 Participants – including the and training for all. We are Equality Standard for Sport, and running innovative and successful impact on levels of participation programmes to encourage people in sport for currently under- from every background to be represented groups involved in London 2012; by working We want to get more women, at a Games site or as a volunteer. disabled people, and black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people 3 Service delivery – including taking part in sport and physical Games-time service provision, activity. We will do this by broadening accessibility and inclusive design the appeal and awareness of the We aim to stage the most accessible Olympic and Paralympic Games. Games ever. The emerging Olympic and Paralympic venues are already recognised as models of access and inclusion. We will use the power of the Games to inspire lasting change – triggering improvements in accessibility to transport, accommodation and visitor attractions across the capital, and all the places people live and work in, and enjoy as visitors. 1 Greenwich, Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest
9 Introduction
London 2012 really will be so there are no barriers and they can Everyone’s Games learn from each other. The second London 2012 Diversity Week in March 2010 showcased the ‘Everyone’, the ODA’s integrated work being done to turn this vision equality scheme, has brought together into a reality – before, during and after its action plans for race, gender and the Olympic Games and Paralympic disability and given a greater and Games – and deliver on the benefits we more inclusive focus to the building promised in our bid for the Games. programme on the Olympic Park.
There has already been positive The ODA’s Inclusive Design Strategy progress. In March 2010 almost one in has won an award for promoting five of the 6,500 people working on accessibility in the planning of the the Olympic Park came from BAME London 2012 venues, potentially backgrounds, with the number of changing the way sports facilities are women in manual trades above the developed in the future. construction industry average. Our Legacy for Disabled People action We are having a positive impact on plan has been hailed as ground- disabled people through the >access breaking by the International Paralympic now outreach programme, which Committee (IPC), a springboard to encourages disabled people to apply changing attitudes towards disabled for jobs with LOCOG, the nine-times people, increasing participation in sport, Paralympic gold medal swimmer Chris and improving their chances in business, Holmes was named as its Director of transport and employment. Paralympic Integration. And there is more to do. While We are having a positive impact on the number of people from BAME women through the ODA’s ‘Women into backgrounds playing sport has Construction’ project, which aims to get increased significantly in the last two more women into the industry through years, the same has not yet been true of building the Olympic Park and gaining women or people with disabilities. experience and skills of value long after the Games are over. Significant investment has gone into making public transport more We are having a positive impact accessible, but more will be done to on older people through LOCOG’s extend accessible travel options, both award winning attitiude over age through further physical improvements programme, which promotes working and through improved information for together by older and younger people, customers.
10 Working towards an inclusive Games
We are working hard to make sure This report highlights what has been London offers a warm welcome to all done, what is being done and what visitors from home and abroad in the more we have to do in the future. There summer of London 2012 and beyond. are also case studies throughout the The Accessible Tourism Forum has asked report describing some of the schemes disabled people what barriers they face in more detail and the inspirational and spelled out why being inclusive is people who are already transforming good for business. their lives as a result of London 2012.
The ODA’s Women into Construction Project holds taster days which give women a chance to experience different building trades. © ODA
11 We are committed to giving companies reflecting Britain’s diverse population a fair chance when it comes to getting access to the CompeteFor service and winning London 2012 contracts.
© Belinda Lawley
12 Working towards an inclusive Games
1 Businesses
Our commitment Many thousands of diverse companies, The London 2012 Equality including small and medium-size and Diversity Forum shares a enterprises (SMEs), have visited determination that the business the CompeteFor website, seen the opportunities offered by the Games opportunities and taken up the are spread as widely as possible. challenge. Around two-thirds of the companies supplying and providing We have been working to ensure those services directly for the ODA are SMEs. economic benefits reach far and wide businesses big and small, new and old; We are committed to giving companies reflecting the diversity of London and the reflecting Britain’s diverse population United Kingdom, including companies a fair chance when it comes to getting run and staffed by women, disabled access to the CompeteFor service and people, older Britons, people from BAME winning London 2012 contracts. backgrounds, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. We believe all our contractors and suppliers have a wider responsibility to The ODA and LOCOG have built recruit staff and run their businesses equality into judging which contracts in a way that values diversity and they award. And they have strongly promotes inclusion. We are holding urged the larger businesses winning them to account, just as we expect to high-profile jobs to use the innovative be judged ourselves on what we do in CompeteFor website as a shop window making London 2012 the most inclusive for contracts further down the supply Games ever. chain and to incorporate equality and diversity best practice within their procurement process.
Established in anticipation of the business opportunities generated by London 2012, CompeteFor is helping businesses of all sizes to get into shape for the long-term by linking them up with support services like Business Link in England, and similar schemes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
13 Key indicators of performance Our programmes Increase the number of diverse-led ‘Everyone’, the ODA’s Integrated businesses gaining access to London Equality Scheme published in 2009, 2012 business opportunities: drew together the different schemes for race, gender and disability and the • Across the UK, over 111,000 ODA’s overall Equality and Diversity businesses were registered on the Strategy first published in March 2007. CompeteFor network by the end of March 2010, with 8.4 per cent owned It contained five core objectives, by BAME people, 18.1 per cent by including: women, 1.3 per cent by disabled people and 1.2 per cent by members ‘Ensuring that the procurement of the LGBT community. of all work, goods and services • In London, there were 32,059 for the Olympic programme is companies registered on transparent, fair and open to CompeteFor – 17.4 per cent from the BAME community, 20.1 per diverse suppliers.’ cent run by women, 1.6 per cent by owners with a disability and 1.9 per Each objective had a timetable for cent by LGBT people. delivery, with action on business diversity concentrated between spring • So far over 6,600 contracts have 2008 and the end of 2009. been opened up and made more widely accessible to businesses that The ODA committed itself to: traditionally would not have known about the potential opportunities. • encourage bids from SMEs including those owned and led by BAME • Over 45,000 companies have received people, by disabled people and by business support as a result of women; registering on CompeteFor. • work closely with the Host Boroughs to ensure access to opportunities for local businesses;
• create working partnerships with its main contractors and local borough networks to facilitate and encourage a diverse ODA supply chain;
14 Working towards an inclusive Games
• engage with organisations to reinforce The ODA has worked in partnership the importance of supplier diversity with the LDA, Business Links, the and reaching out to SMEs; London Business Network (London First, the London Chamber of • make sure its target market was Commerce and Industry, CBI and aware of CompeteFor and was given the Federation of Small Businesses), technical knowledge to increase the East London Business Place SME participation in this electronic organisation and partners across the brokerage system. UK, to boost the number of SMEs registering on CompeteFor and taking CompeteFor up the business support that is also Thousands of London 2012 contracts, available. both those directly awarded by the ODA and LOCOG, and those which are The ODA monitors diversity data sub-contracted have been advertised supplied by Tier 1 contractors and on the CompeteFor website, an online works with these companies and SMEs service that matches potential suppliers to help them to better understand the to Games-related business opportunities market and improve the diversity of throughout the supply chain. the supply chain, encouraging Tier 1 contractors to look beyond traditional The ODA recognises the challenges suppliers and open up a range of facing smaller companies in bidding for opportunities, not just ones that are contracts for a global event like the 2012 London 2012 related. Games – for instance, the time needed to fill in required documentation for tenders could be prohibitive, given lower staffing levels.
The ODA has worked with business partners to address these potential barriers from the perspective of both the bigger Tier 1 contractors and the SMEs themselves.
15 Case study
Benefiting from the Games order with the charity’s trading arm, GWB Products Ltd, for hand wash and Clarity is a social enterprise and charity. washing up liquid for its offices. It was founded in 1854 with Queen Victoria as its first patron. Clarity Now Clarity hopes this contract will be employs blind and disabled people a real boost to its business profile and making cleaning products, soap, hand credibility. sanitisers and toiletries – some of which you will find at London 2012’s John Stutchfield, Clarity’s Business headquarters at Canary Wharf. Development Manager, said: ‘Social Enterprise London were extremely helpful Through Clarity’s connection with in pointing us in the right direction to LOCOG, Social Enterprise London and get these opportunities. The CompeteFor Supply2Gov highlighted CompeteFor as process was simple to use and we are a route to being able to bid for further really hopeful that this first order will lead opportunities with other organisations. to even larger ones. This is just the first Clarity’s small scale means that big stage of bigger and greater things.’ contracts are beyond its scope, but LOCOG has opened up a range of events In June 2010, the Minister for Civil where sub-contracting opportunities Society at the Cabinet Office, Nick Hurd, for SMEs or social enterprises are visited the charity. He toured the factory, showcased. In turn, this led Clarity met staff and talked to representatives directly to LOCOG who placed an of its customers, including LOCOG.
Nick Hurd, at Clarity. © Cabinet Office
16 Working towards an inclusive Games
Reaching out to business Diversity and Inclusion An extensive programme of business Business Charter engagement has been carried out to tell LOCOG set out its approach to companies about the opportunities that procurement in November 2009 at the Games are generating, and how to the 2012 Games Business Summit, get support to compete for and win organised by the Department for contracts. Across the UK more than Business, Innovation and Skills. The 400 events have been held. vast majority of its contracts, worth £700 million, will also utilise the The ODA has met businesses at road CompeteFor website. shows, seminars and industry days. Starting in Bristol in June 2007, the Launching the strategy, LOCOG’s ODA has visited each English region, Director of Procurement, Gerry Walsh, and Scotland, Wales and Northern spelled out requirements for potential Ireland, and invited companies to the contractors, including the standards Olympic Park to meet contractors set out in his organisation’s Diversity delivering the ‘big build’. and Inclusion Business Charter, also launched in autumn 2009. By the end of March 2010 the ODA had been in contact with more than 10,000 This charter explained how LOCOG businesses across the UK to make them is embedding the principles of aware of the opportunities to secure diversity and inclusion into its own work to build venues and infrastructure procurement activity and that of its for the 2012 Games. main contractors and suppliers. LOCOG has three procurement objectives for This visits programme has enabled diversity and inclusion: the ODA to meet a range of potential suppliers face-to-face and alert them to • publicising its own business current and future contract opportunities opportunities to a truly diverse range relevant to their companies. LOCOG is of suppliers; continuing this work. • ensuring that organisations awarded business seek to promote related opportunities to a diverse range of suppliers;
• and ensuring that contractors share its aims for diversity and inclusion and improve, or further improve, their own performance in diversity and inclusion.
17 At the heart of the charter is LOCOG’s • Pre-Qualification – a mandatory supplier promise: set of seven diversity and Inclusion questions are asked; ‘We will be easy to do business with; we will be transparent, and • Tender Stage – an additional set of optional service-related questions are will actively promote diversity asked, if relevant; and inclusion to everyone we do • Contract Stage – every contractor is business with.’ required to complete the Diversity Works for London online assessment LOCOG is monitoring diversity to ensure and report their results within 30 that promise is observed throughout its days. All suppliers are encouraged to supply chain. aim to achieve its Gold Standard by 2012. The charter has been praised by the Commission for a Sustainable London London 2012’s second Diversity Week, 2012 (please see Appendix iii) as a held in March 2010, highlighted ‘bold and potentially ground-breaking the work being done by the ODA attempt to tackle the issue of diversity and LOCOG to live up to their in the supply chain.’ commitments. And the ODA’s first ever Contractors Diversity Awards ceremony Diversity and equality is important not recognised what contractors are doing just in choosing which companies are to integrate and promote equality and awarded contracts. It also must be at the inclusion in their companies. heart of a business’s ‘culture’ and the way it recruits and treats its own staff. The winners were picked by an independent judging panel that included Equality in the workplace representatives from the Employers’ LOCOG’s Procurement Governance Forum on Disability, the Employers’ Model is a key ingredient of the charter. Forum on Age and Belief, and the Race It builds diversity and inclusion into for Opportunity and Women and Manual each stage of the decision-making Trades organisations. process. The four awards categories were won by: • CompeteFor Stage – each organisation is checked to establish • Jessica Petersson – the HR Equality that it has an Equal Opportunities and Inclusion Manager at security Policy; contractor G4S beat nine other nominees to win the ‘Best employee’s
18 Working towards an inclusive Games
individual contribution’ award; ‘We are building new, accessible and inclusive facilities, venues and infrastructure that will • Balfour Beatty, which was awarded be used during the Games and by a range of the ‘Best all round company contribution’ for demonstrating communities long after 2012. positive change in embracing equality The ODA Contractor Diversity Awards represent and inclusion principles; the achievements of our contractors in • G4S won the award for ‘Best use integrating equality, inclusion, employment of Jobs, Skills, Futures brokerage for diverse recruitment’ for its and skills throughout their own work on the partnership with the ODA’s Olympic Park and Olympic Village.’ Employment and Skills team; John Armitt • Ove Arup and Partners took Chairman, Olympic Delivery Authority home the award for ‘Most improved organisation’, being recognised for ‘Alongside creating venues and an their outstanding efforts to improve performance. infrastructure that are built on time and to cost, we have been committed to providing G4S, which won two awards, employs more than 400 people to keep the sustainable employment, new training Olympic Park site safe and secure. It opportunities, getting previously unemployed has worked to increase the diversity of and local people into work and promoting its workforce by holding women-only recruitment sessions; boosting the equality and inclusion.’ number of disabled employees five-fold David Higgins, Chief Executive, to seven per cent of the total; and is Olympic Delivery Authority reporting back experiences and lessons learned from its work on the Olympic Park to the rest of its business. The ODA’s Head of Equality, Inclusion, The ODA gave a special award to Employment and Skills, Loraine Martins, Morrison Construction for significant congratulated the contractors and told impact in 2009. In addition, it them: ‘You have begun to integrate commended SME Zone Construction for equality and inclusion into your roles as its work to increase job opportunities part of your everyday work. This is an for diverse groups and Dennis Curran of important legacy that you can take to Barhale Construction for his leadership future programmes and have a positive contribution. impact on even more people.’
19 Looking ahead supply their results to LOCOG within LOCOG has formed an Evaluation Group 30 days of the award. made up from Diversity and Inclusion, Sustainability, Financial Due Diligence, Further to this, LOCOG asks each Legal, Health and Safety and Workforce, supplier to endeavour to achieve the who help draft specific tender questions Gold Standard of the Diversity Works for and then interrogate each supplier London assessment by 2012. LOCOC was submission to ensure that they will assist the first organisation in the UK to attain LOCOG in making London 2012 the the Gold Standard award from DWFL most inclusive games ever. and will continue to lead in finding new and innovative ways to raise the It was identified that there are three standards. critical points in the procurement process when interaction between this group and LOCOG has awarded 76 contracts since the Procurement Manager is vital: 2009 and established a monitoring system with Diversity Works for London 1. Kick-Off Project – to ensure that the which will allow the procurement team group is aware of any new projects to track which London 2012 suppliers that have commenced and has the have started the online assessment. opportunity to input and/or attend a This monitoring system will also show kick-off meeting if appropriate. which of these suppliers have started the verification process for the Gold 2. Issue of PQQ / ITT – to ensure that Standard. Additionally, a number of the group is aware of both the timing suppliers are choosing to complete the and the volume of proposals that will online DWFL assessment, regardless of be coming back from bidders, so that whether or not they are awarded the evaluation time can be planned in contract – this further demonstrates the accordingly. ability of London 2012 to inspire positive change. 3. Final recommended contract award – this is either via the DASH form Legacy Company (>£250k) or using the Deal Record The Legacy Company Board aims to (<£250k). In either scenario, sign-off ensure that opportunities for local is required by the relevant members of businesses to benefit from the legacy the Evaluation Group. project are maximised.
Diversity Works for London Work is ongoing to develop LOCOG requires all organisations and procurement, equality and inclusion, businesses awarded a contract to and socio economic strategies for the complete the online assessment for Company, which will set the Company’s Diversity Works for London (DWFL) and programmes and priorities.
20 Working towards an inclusive Games
Naz Hussain, Enrolment and Pass Office at the ODA. © ODA
21 The ODA’s gender equality programme was recognised for its innovation in the 2010 awards of Opportunity Now, the industry umbrella body for companies committed to creating an inclusive workplace for women.
Zaynab Mahmoud-taking part in the ODA work placement scheme. © ODA
22 Working towards an inclusive Games
2 Workforce
Our commitment including apprenticeships are Thirty thousand people will have developing sustainable skills. Specific worked on the construction of the projects are being run to help under- Olympic Park and the Olympic Village represented groups in the construction by the time the Games begin. In the industry, in particular women and summer of 2012, it is estimated that disabled people. there will be 6,000 LOCOG employees, up to 70,000 volunteers under the Key indicators of performance London 2012 Games Maker programme Maximise the diversity of the London and 130,000 contractors helping to 2012 workforce, including volunteers deliver the Games. There will also be and, increase the employment support 8,000 volunteer roles under the Mayor’s we provide to all sections of society: London Ambassadors Scheme. • In March 2010, 6,442 people were All the bodies responsible for building working for contractors on the Games venues and staging the Olympic Park. Of that total, 18 per Games are committed to the highest cent were BAME people, five per cent standards in recruiting and developing were women – nationally, women a workforce from all backgrounds, and make up between one and two per ensuring jobs and training are open cent of the manual trades workforce – to diverse communities across London and 1.5 per cent were disabled people. and the UK. • Of those directly employed by the The Games are boosting individuals London 2012 Organising Committee, and the economy as we emerge from 51 per cent were women, 14 per cent recession, providing employment were from BAME backgrounds, opportunities and leaving behind 5 per cent had a disability, 6 per cent improved skills and added experience identified as either LGB or T, 29 per that can be put to good use for decades cent were under 30 years old, 8 per to come. cent were over 50 years old, and all major faiths were represented. This is a key part of our promise to the British people for 2012 and we have • During 2009/10, the London put in place a number of initiatives to Employer Accord, a programme ensure we meet this commitment. that helps employers find and hire good staff, helped an additional The ODA’s job brokerage service is 683 unemployed Londoners into already well established and matching employment. 52 per cent were from local people to jobs on the Olympic BAME backgrounds, 37 per cent were and Paralympic site. Training initiatives female and six per cent were disabled.
23 Our programmes The award citation said: Women at work The publishing of the ODA’s integrated ‘The programme fits with the equality scheme ‘Everyone’ in March organisation’s public sector duties to 2009 marked the development of a actively promote equality of opportunity programme to ensure that gender between men and women. But the equality was being promoted and organisation believes there is a practiced across the Olympic Park by compelling business imperative which the Tier 1 contractors. goes further than legal obligations. It strongly believes that increasing The programme included: diversity contributes to creating a good work environment which is conducive • creating champions at a senior level, to high productivity. It also believes charged with acting as advocates for that championing diversity is key to gender equality; addressing current skills shortages as well as a way of recruiting the highest • the introduction of mentoring possible calibre of talent.’ programmes on the Olympic Park; Opportunity Now praised the fact that • the development of the London women working on the Olympic Park 2012 Women into Construction were empowered and supported to use project, funded by the LDA and their skills to further develop their careers ConstructionSkills (the industry’s – and noted that contractors felt that the sector skills council and training project had positively changed the way board), with the aim of increasing they viewed women in construction. the number of women taking up training and job opportunities The Women into Construction Project on the Olympic Park. This has also won the Women in Science and included graduate internships, Engineering partnership award in apprenticeships, mentoring, work November 2009. The offer of tailored placements and education outreach support, training, encouragement and activities. job opportunities is making a difference to both the women taking part and the The ODA’s gender equality programme industry as a whole. was recognised for its innovation in the 2010 awards of Opportunity Now, By the end of March 2010, the project part of Business in the Community, the had provided 412 women with careers industry umbrella body for companies advice of which 160 women gained jobs committed to creating an inclusive on the Olympic Park, with 173 women workplace for women. undertaking pre-employment training
24 Working towards an inclusive Games
in practical construction skills like the First, the ODA developed the skills, use of plant machinery and working at knowledge and awareness of its job and heights. skills brokerage team to ensure they are able to recognise potential barriers to Ten London women completed their the employment of disabled people. training to become bus drivers on the Olympic Park as part of the Now the ODA works with specialist London 2012 Women’s Project during providers to improve their understanding the last year. of the job, the site, and the opportunities available, getting them to provide The ODA has been working with social guidance to disabled people so enterprise Hackney Community Transport appropriately qualified applicants are put to deliver training to enable women to forward, and employers are assisted with become bus drivers. The women, most their recruitment. of whom had been unemployed, moved into work placements before working on The ODA asks employers to: the Olympic Park from spring 2010. • consider business and job Semra Kamil Yusuf was one of those opportunities actively; who completed the programme: ‘I was unemployed for five years, lost my • agree to meet disabled candidates confidence and self esteem and found it and give them constructive feedback very difficult to get into employment. I even if they are not being hired; looked into courses that I could do that would lead to employment and I found • put effort into feedback, advice and this programme. support for disabled candidates;
’Gaining employment has changed my • arrange workplace trials, placements life tremendously as I was very depressed and shadowing; and had a lack of confidence. This has helped me financially, emotionally and • use specialist resources to source socially. My life has turned around again. disabled candidates; I am excited to be part of London 2012.’ • encourage ideas and feedback from Disability equality employers and suppliers. The ODA is working with the construction industry to improve the representation of disabled people in the workforce. Their approach has been wide-ranging.
25 The ODA runs a programme of delivery partner CLM, using disabled presentations to employers to encourage people in the delivery of training; them to employ more disabled people. This has identified issues about the • continuous equality and inclusion culture of the workplace and the need audits providing major contractors to improve the levels of knowledge with progress reports on their work to about disability. The sessions also improve disability equality; encourage employers to understand the perspective of disabled people, • ODA/CLM measuring its own and highlight resources available to performance on disability equality employers. against the Employers’ Forum on Disability 2009 Standard, achieving a Dedicated on-site Employment and Bronze Award; Skills Managers, with support from Jobcentre Plus, provide employers • specialist training for disabled people with advice about funding, including to achieve their Construction Skills recruitment subsidies, whilst helping Certificate Scheme (CSCS) card, employers to offer work trials, a requirement for working on the placements or secondments. Olympic Park.
These managers maintain active Representation of disabled people in the caseloads of disabled candidates Olympic Park workforce remains below suitable for jobs on the Olympic Park. the benchmark of three per cent but the Senior managers provide feedback figure of 1.5 per cent in March 2010, and advice to individuals on overall obtained through voluntary reporting, suitability for Olympic Park work, and may not fully reflect the real picture. have hosted pre-screening events for The wider picture is more encouraging – groups. For example the ODA worked ODA’s jobs brokerage service is helping with Jobcentre Plus and security disabled people into work, and by employer G4S to stage an event for March 2010, 11 per cent of the people candidates for security posts. placed in jobs through the service were disabled. Other initiatives to improve accessibility on the Olympic Park site have included: >access now, LOCOG’s outreach programme for disabled people, is now • positive action to improve access to all in its second year. Disabled people venues and on-site offices; are traditionally under-represented in sport – and in the workforce generally. • tailored training packages for LOCOG want to change that and management at the ODA and its encourage disabled people to apply
26 Working towards an inclusive Games
to work at LOCOG. As an employer, representation of disabled people in LOCOG promises to: LOCOG’s workforce has risen from one to five per cent. • guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the person In August 2009 LOCOG announced specification for a job vacancy and to the appointment of Chris Holmes as consider them on merit alone; its Director of Paralympic Integration, leading on all aspects of the planning • ensure disabled employee access to and organisation of the Paralympic LOCOG’s Diversity Action Team to Games. discuss what more can be done; Chris had a distinguished career as a • develop and use their abilities; Paralympic swimmer, winning nine gold medals – including six alone at the • make every effort when employees Barcelona Games in 1992, as well as become disabled to ensure they stay being a successful lawyer. in employment; Chris Holmes said: ‘My priorities are • take action to ensure that all to educate our audiences so they employees develop the appropriate understand and enjoy Paralympic level of disability awareness needed sport. The Games offer a truly unique to make sure these commitments opportunity for our country – a chance work; to change Britain for the better.’
• review these commitments annually Athlete Career Programme with stakeholders to measure Since 2005 Adecco, London 2012’s progress and lay out future plans. official recruitment provider, has worked with the International Olympic LOCOG has worked closely with the Committee to help retired athletes Department for Work and Pensions make the transition to the workplace so that London 2012 disabled staff at the end of their careers, through the have been able to access funding Athlete Career Programme (ACP). quickly from the government’s Access to Work scheme. This The ACP has helped over 5,000 provides both employer and athletes find work around the employee with advice and support world and now, following Adecco’s with extra costs that may arise sponsorship of the London 2012 because of their particular needs. Olympic and Paralympic Games, it has been extended to the UK and, for the In the last eighteen months the first time, to Paralympians as well.
27 Adecco is working with the British In undertaking the role, Recruitment Olympic Association and ParalympicsGB Leaders act as role models, ensure to deliver a wide range of services to information reaches their community, athletes and employers including job provide encouragement and mentoring, placements, online training, career and, if necessary, help people with the workshops and by providing support application process. overseas. The Recruitment Leaders come from LOCOG have a Disability Talent Pool a number of backgrounds. Some are (DTP) for talented disabled people who current LOCOG employees; some are are interested in working at London 2012. recruited through an application and Using LOCOG’s existing Guaranteed interview process, while others have Interview Scheme for disabled people, positions of influence at diversity and identified talented job seekers who inclusion partner organisations. narrowly miss out on a position with LOCOG; are able to join the DTP. This Personal Best enables LOCOG to work with candidates Personal Best is an employability skills to apply and be considered for future programme that uses the excitement of roles with the organisation. the Games to help those furthest from the labour market. The programme uses Recruiting from the BAME volunteering as a stepping stone back to community employment and provides participants LOCOG’s Diversity and Inclusion Team with an accredited level 1 award in has been working with a number of non- Event Volunteering. All participants who commercial organisations and charities successfully complete the course and that provide a service for, or support apply for a Games-time volunteering role people from, BAME communities in are guaranteed an interview. London and the UK. The programme has been particularly One successful initiative was using effective in reaching a broad range of people within BAME communities to participants through targeted outreach influence, inform and empower their to communities across the capital and the relatives, friends and neighbours to seek removal of barriers such as childcare. employment with LOCOG. Almost two-thirds of the 3,000 people in The >Recruitment Leader Programme London who have successfully completed acknowledges talent and leadership skills courses on the Personal Best programme within all UK communities by rewarding have a BAME background. Similar those individuals with the title of LOCOG numbers are women and one in ten have Recruitment Leader. a disability.
28 Working towards an inclusive Games
Case study
© Skills Funding Agency Jessica graduates with a Personal Best
Jessica Bridgett felt at a loss when her two young children became old enough not to depend on her as much. The 40-year-old from North Shields had bypassed a working career to be a full- time mother.
Without training, experience or confidence in her abilities, she was worried about her future and fell into depression. Her counsellor suggested that volunteering would be an effective way to build up her confidence so she signed up for Personal Best.
Jessica said: ‘A lot of things were happening in my personal life that were making me feel down and my confidence took a big blow as a result. I wanted to address this and so agreed to try voluntary work. I didn’t really never know what could have happened. know what to expect at first and I was I’m also more eager to meet different cautious to begin with, but with the people and I love speaking with them support from Personal Best I found and hearing all about their different myself volunteering for all sorts of experiences.’ things and this really helped to boost my self-belief.’ As a result of the Personal Best programme, Jessica is looking at Jessica began volunteering at the getting back into work but will continue SureStart Library at the Riverside as to get involved with volunteering well as helping out with various Marie opportunities whenever she can. Curie fundraising events, the North East Volunteering Awards and the She added: ‘Personal Best has really Wunderbar Festival in Newcastle. motivated me and I’m definitely keen to get involved with larger and more She said: ‘I’m now not afraid to try new challenging projects. This is just the things and I know that if I don’t then I’ll beginning for me.’
29 London 2012 Diversity Week 2010 Archbishop Tutu was the first in In February 2010, the Archbishop a planned series of London 2012 Emeritus Desmond Tutu toured the Diversity and Inclusion speakers, and he Olympic Park where he met children praised London 2012’s work: from schools in the Host Boroughs. LOCOG’s chair, Seb Coe, welcomed him: To coincide with Archbishop Tutu’s visit, LOCOG launched its Diversity and ‘Sport has a real role to play in healing Inclusion Leadership Pledge. All hiring and bringing a nation together. We managers were asked to voluntarily are thrilled that Archbishop Desmond sign LOCOG’s commitment to deliver Tutu could come and see the progress a legacy of inclusion and to date 96% London 2012 is making, not only on of hiring managers have signed the the Olympic Park, but also in terms of pledge. our diversity and inclusion work.’
30 Working towards an inclusive Games
volunteering, procurement, community relations and service delivery and the opportunities that are available for communities across the UK.
Other activities included the ODA’s ‘Women in Construction’ project taster day to mark International Women’s Day; an ‘Access Summit’ held at LOCOG where members of the disabled community were able to talk Archbishop Tutu giving his address to LOCOG Staff, to staff responsible for areas including London 2012 Diversity Week © LOCOG venues, ticketing and accommodation; workshops on topics including the ‘As a South African, I know how procurement process at LOCOG, and much sport can help bring engagement opportunities with LGBT sports organisations and sponsors’ staff different people and nations networks. together. I feel strongly that the LOCOG is now working with 54 London 2012 Olympic Games charities and organisations to and Paralympic Games will be encourage potential candidates into a fantastic celebration of the paid and volunteering roles through the development of Recruitment many different communities and Action Plans. cultures which exist in London LOCOG’s delivery partners include and the rest of the UK and will Jobcentre Plus, the Royal National bring everyone together.’ Institute of Blind People (RNIB), the Stephen Lawrence Trust, the Special London 2012’s second Diversity Week Olympics, the student-led charity in March 2010 gave an opportunity to Elevation Networks, Charlton Athletic showcase how diversity and inclusion is football club and the British Limbless being integrated into the organisation’s Ex-Service Men’s Association. work and identify challenges in the year ahead. The action plans provide valuable information about the level of support The week began with ‘Everyone’s London and service that each organisation can 2012’, a conference that raised awareness offer their members and service users. of London 2012’s work in areas including
31 For example, some organisations (such who have volunteered before and will as the RNIB and East London Mosque) already be in discussion with their have their own employment advisers, National Governing Body, employer or allowing LOCOG to work with them other professional organisation have to provide information and tools that been given the chance to apply early. enable them to support talented people in applying for roles. Eligibility criteria • All generalists and specialist Games Within LOCOG, the Diversity and Makers will need to fulfil the same Inclusion Team have produced a basic criteria: recruitment package for hiring managers and are providing induction material for • Aged 18 or above on 1 January 2012. new staff. Working groups are looking at issues from the point of view of disabled, • Eligible to volunteer in the UK in line BAME and LGBT people to ensure that with UK immigration rules. everyone has the opportunity to get involved with the Olympic Games and • Willing to volunteer for at least 10 Paralympic Games. days of shifts and attend a minimum of three days of training. Looking Ahead Games Maker Programme • Able to arrange own The London 2012 Volunteer Programme accommodation. will launch on 27 July 2010, two years before the opening ceremony for the • Whilst most of the roles require Olympic Games. This will start the Games Makers to be 18 years old process to recruit up to 70,000 people or over by 1 January 2012, young who will make the London 2012 Games people are encouraged to get happen. These people will be called involved too! The Young Games Games Makers. Maker programme for up to 1,500 under 18s will be unveiled in summer LOCOG will invite specialist groups and 2011. Please refer to LOCOG’s disability organisations to apply from london2012.com/volunteering for 27 July although applicants for the more details. majority of roles – generalists – will not be able to apply until 15 September. • Despite being a highly rewarding role, This phased application will give volunteering at the London 2012 members of the general public the Olympics and Paralympic Games is whole summer to consider their options by no means a walk in the park. It and find out if this is really for them, requires passion, enthusiasm and whereas many pre-identified applicants skill. Diversity is also valued and
32 Working towards an inclusive Games
embraced be it age, disability, gender, London Ambassadors Scheme ethnicity, religion and belief or sexual On 27July 2010 Londoners were invited orientation. by the Mayor to become part of the Host City’s welcome during the period Contractor workforce of the Olympic and Paralympic Games It is anticipated that by Games-time by registering to become a London LOCOG will be working with over Ambassador. The London Ambassadors 200 organisations to help deliver will play a vital role in providing an the Olympic Games and Paralympic outstanding welcome to the millions of Games. Each of these organisations visitors and Londoners who will fill the will support the business charter and city during the summer of 2012. undertake the Diversity Works for London (DWfL) assessment as part of The LDA are looking for up to 8,000 the procurement process. volunteers who will be based at 35 sites across London. These volunteers will Contracting organisations will have to need excellent interpersonal skills and outline their Inclusion strategy for the a natural passion and enthusiasm for Games and they will be required to the capital. This is an opportunity for report on the diversity of their Games- all Londoners. The LDA wants London time workforce. Ambassadors to reflect London’s diversity, with volunteers representing Training content for Games London in terms of age, faith, religion, workforce gender, sexual orientation and disability. Diversity and Inclusion will be a key The LDA will encourage those who are theme that runs through the four new to volunteering to take part, as elements of training (Orientation, Role well as graduates from the Personal Specific, Event Leadership and Venue Best programme. The LDA also wants to Specific). In order to develop the training take advantage of the many different content the Workforce Training Team will languages spoken in London, but a work closely with Diversity and Inclusion second language will not be a pre- team in LOCOG as well as external expert requisite. groups. At the registration phase the LDA In terms of ensuring that the training is has been working with a number of as accessible as possible, all accessibility partners to ensure that all Londoners requirements will be taken into account, have the same opportunity to register. from the facilitators used, to the The LDA held a workshop with locations, to the delivery channels. RNIB, RNID, MENCAP, YouthNet and other partners to ensure that the accessibility needs of Londoners was
33 Mayor launches the London Ambassadors Scheme © James O’Jenkins
34 Working towards an inclusive Games
The Olympic park lies in one of built in at the development stage of the London Ambassador website the most diverse areas of the (www.londonambassadors.org.uk). UK. In addition to statutory The LDA is also working with Volunteer Centres so that those that duties, the Company will take require assistance with the online this diversity into account in registration form can access this help at their local centre. order to attract the best talent, to understand how its decisions The LDA are working with a number of partners to ensure that London’s diverse impact on different communities communities are made aware of the and groups, and to create and scheme and feel that they are invited manage parkland, venues, to register. Throughout the application process, applicants will be asked if homes, events and commercial they have any specific requirements and retails opportunities that (e.g. help and support), to ensure these needs are met throughout the capitalise on, are accessible to, Programme. and are responsive to the needs of such a diverse community. Legacy Company The Legacy Company aims to promote the highest standards of Equality and To support this the company is: Inclusion practice in its own work; developing excellence in procurement • developing its employment and skills and estate management, attracting approach for Legacy, building on the the best talent, operating best practice excellent work of the Jobs, Skills and in internal policy development, and futures brokerage and considering assessing the impact of decisions on how the maximum benefit for traditionally excluded groups and local diverse communities can be diverse communities. It is for this leveraged; reason that the company has identified equality and inclusion as a Priority • supporting local employment Theme within its work. projects such as the retail academy in Stratford City;
• drafting and consulting on a full Equality and Inclusion Policy, to be published alongside the corporate plan for 2011/12.
35 © TfL Visual Image Service
36 Working towards an inclusive Games
3 Service Delivery
Our commitment young families, people with different Our aim is to make London 2012 the religions, children, older people, most accessible Olympic Games and athletes, spectators and volunteers. Paralympic Games possible. Inclusive design and the right attitude That means sports venues and Games- improve everyone’s experience. They time facilities are accessible to everyone, deliver value for money and make good whether they have a disability or not, business sense. And Londoners, and and whatever that disability might be. the capital’s visitors now, and after the Games, have a right to expect them. That means seizing the opportunity to build a sporting infrastructure that is a Key indicators of performance model of inclusivity and accessibility. Increase engagement with London’s communities and with people across the That means being able to get around UK, on the planning and preparation for London – and the Olympic venues, in the Games by ensuring that: particular – with ease. • all Host City Volunteers will receive That means everyone enjoying the equality and inclusion training as London 2012 experience in our capital part of their induction to the London city, whether they are visitors or Ambassadors programme spectators, competitors or officials. • up to ten per cent of London That means inspiring a transformation Ambassadors will be from the – triggering lasting improvements in Personal Best Training Scheme transport, in accommodation, in tourist for people who are not in work or attractions and in public spaces. education
Staging inclusive and accessible Games • LOCOG volunteers will also be drawn is about disabled people benefiting from the Personal Best Training from the provision of truly integrated Scheme services, receiving a positive and welcoming attitude and being able to • Diversity and Inclusion will be a key move around the city with ease. theme that runs through the four key elements of training for the Games Accessibility and inclusion is the time workforce responsibility of everyone with a hand in the success of the London 2012 • and the GLA will carry out accessibility Games. And everyone benefits: disabled audits of pedestrian hotspots. people, tourists, parents with prams and
37 Our programmes people, families with children, and Delivering inclusive design a variety of audiences that will be a The ODA, along with its partners and benchmark and act as an inspiration to contractors, is delivering design that others. combines excellence with innovation. It is creating exciting, well-designed Setting proud new standards venues that are a fitting stage for the The ODA’s Inclusive Design Strategy was greatest sporting and cultural event on recognised by the Royal Town Planning the planet. Institute (RTPI) at its 2010 awards. The RTPI predicted that the standards London 2012 is designing for the adopted in London would become Games and legacy together. The benchmarks for future major sports venue designs must obviously meet venues. the requirements of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, whilst also looking The strategy was published in beyond 2012. Permanent venues are September 2008, setting out a only being built if there is a long-term framework for how the Olympic Park use and otherwise London 2012 is would become accessible and inclusive. being creative in the use of temporary Practical examples include: venues and seating. • wider pathways with smooth surfaces We want to set an excellent standard and seating and resting places at regular intervals; of accessibility for disabled people, older people, families with • setting a new UK benchmark for wheelchair spaces and amenity children, and a variety of audiences seating; that will be a benchmark and act as an inspiration to others. • gentle gradients giving all users greater freedom of movement;
Inclusive design is at the heart of the • clear and easily understood signage; ODA’s design process. The Olympic Village, the sporting venues, new • excellent provision of baby changing transport services, supporting facilities facilities and buggy stores; and the Olympic Park itself will be accessible to disabled people both • and a range of accessible toilet during and after the Games. The ODA facilities. wants to set an excellent standard of accessibility for disabled people, older
38 Working towards an inclusive Games
Accessibly DLR trains. © TfL Visual Image Service
Within the Olympic Stadium and other The LOCOG Overlay Access File venues, access to seating will be more (LOAF) sets out a common set of inclusive in 2012. Wheelchair spaces inclusion standards to be applied, will be spread throughout, rather than incorporating both existing standards being confined to a specific area on and the IPC’s technical manual on their own, and deaf people will be accessibility. seated within clear sight of display screens showing action and results. Outstanding experience Diversity and inclusion is key to London 2012 will use a wide variety everything LOCOG does. of venues, each presenting different challenges in terms of overlay – the Planning for the London 2012 Games additional Games-time facilities at has been integrated for the first time Olympic and Paralympic venues. for a summer Games, with the intention of providing an outstanding sporting
39 experience for athletes from all LOCOG’s Diversity and Inclusion Team backgrounds and a memorable legacy has identified 22 areas across the for Paralympic sport in the UK. organisation’s work as priorities to make sure that London hosts the most LOCOG’s aims were set out in a Diversity inclusive Games ever. and Inclusion Strategy, ‘Open’, in 2008. These aims are to use the power of the Spectators, for instance, will be Games to inspire change, to stage Games served by: that welcome the world, and to ensure that every individual in the organisation • an inclusive ticket sales strategy; takes responsibility for an inclusive approach that is fully integrated into • website accessibility, involving disabled business decisions. people in testing proposed changes;
• consistent access provision in the
An artist’s impression of how the Basketball Arena and Olympic Stadium will look during the 2012 Games. © ODA
40 Working towards an inclusive Games
final ‘overlay’ being applied to LOCOG is working with partners to Games venues after building work is deliver an innovative Paralympic Inclusive complete; Environment by focussing on The Thames, river transport, and the paths • a food strategy building on London’s and walkways that border the river. diversity and mixture of nationalities, cultures and cuisines, guided by the Success will be measured by: need to meet dietary needs, ensure clear labelling, provide appropriate • all external delivery partners working staff training, offer affordable to deliver an environment at options and take account of faith Paralympic Games-time that is distinct issues and religious festivals – such and equal – celebrating the spirit of as Ramadan, which occurs during the the Games, creating a ‘look and feel’ Olympic Games. and environment appropriate to the needs of the athletes and spectators;
41 • creating a series of connected This work is partly about ensuring accessible spaces and routes where smooth, safe and efficient operations to everybody can get around with support the Games and to keep London independence and dignity, using the clean, safe and moving. But it also aims river as a focus; to reflect what is happening inside venues with an equally outstanding • delivering key improvements to access experience across the rest of London on the ‘Riverwalk’ with a view to – in particular, in the centre of London creating a Paralympic path from the which contains many of London’s top Thames Barrier to Vauxhall; attractions and will be the focus for many visitors. • delivering improved signage along the Riverwalk; London Ambassadors will provide information and assistance to all • enhancing the accessibility of visitors. The aim is to recruit at least river transport for disabled people ten per cent of volunteers from at Games-time, including the the Personal Best training scheme possibility of using the Olympic for people who are not in work or Park waterways as a specific education. Selected volunteers should Paralympic project; have a range of skills including fluency in other languages and experience in • delivering an effective communication working with disabled people. Training plan promoting the legacy benefits for volunteers will include modules on of inclusive design and highlighting disability awareness. work around the Paralympic Inclusive Environment to ensure that Live Sites (showing Games action external stakeholders, specifically on large screens and providing other disabled people and the Paralympic entertainment) and all celebrations movement, are positively working of the Games will be accessible to with the organisation. all. Events will showcase the cultural, linguistic and sporting diversity that Visitor experience London is known for across the world. The success of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games is not just Accessibility improvements will be about the events themselves – but the delivered as part of the City Operations whole visitor experience from arrival work, in particular at key locations and to departure. London 2012’s City through providing comprehensive and Operations programme is responsible relevant information. for the 2012-related work required in the capital beyond the Games venues.
42 Working towards an inclusive Games
Ready for 2012 transport) can significantly add to The Mayor of London has pledged to the enjoyment of a visit. Criticism make London 2012 the most accessible focused on facilities not working Games ever. To help meet this pledge the or the inadequacy of signage, LDA, in partnership with the GLA and announcements and staff training; LOCOG, commissioned Live Tourism, a consultancy specialising in accessibility • Accommodation: Disabled visitors and quality standards, to carry out a look mostly for cheaper accommodation study of London’s accessibility as a visitor like budget hotels and B&Bs but end destination. up having to book mid-range hotels, because of strong evidence that In January 2010, their report – Is London cheaper options are not meeting the ready to welcome disabled visitors? – needs of the disabled visitor; was published. It provided a snapshot of London’s accessibility, identified • Attractions: Leisure attractions are major initiatives underway to improve key hooks for visitors and received accessibility, made recommendations relatively positive scores, however for intervention by public sector bodies using public transport to travel to that could increase accessibility and attractions remains a considerable established baselines against which problem; progress could be measured. • Eating and drinking: This activity had The report team conducted almost 600 the lowest scores. Visitors said they online interviews with disabled visitors to would like a greater choice of venues London and questioned more than 40 key but were unable to access many; stakeholders in the public, private and voluntary sectors. • Shopping: this is a key activity among visitors. They visit the same Key findings of the online survey of key honey-pot areas as any tourist to disabled visitors included: London. But overall, only 14 per cent give a positive overall rating; • Information provision: Website information is important and has a • Public toilets: The availability of strong influence on the decision to accessible toilets is fundamentally visit. Information therefore needs to important to disabled visitors, but be of a consistently high standard experience of toilet facilities is hugely across different themes. negative;
• Transport: Forms of transport • Public realm: Many visitors are that are more accessible (e.g. river negative about the capital’s public
43 Delegates at Disability Capital 2009. © James O Jenkins
areas and open spaces, especially the Key activities will include: lack of clear routes and pavements, dropped kerbs and signage; • publishing visitor-focussed information on the web and in • Staff attitudes: However, staff at future guidebooks, building on Open accommodation and attractions are London published in April 2010. more likely to be positively rated Development of the website will for their availability, attitude and begin later this year; helpfulness. Perceived levels of disability awareness among staff in • auditing existing accessibility all sectors was low but especially in guidelines for businesses in the transport, eating and drinking, and tourism and hospitality sector, shopping. commissioning and promoting further guidelines to London companies; The GLA has since established the City Operations Accessibility for Visitors • working with London 2012 sponsors project (led by the LDA), which is to develope and promote sector- guided by a steering group of disability specific disability equality specialists. The project will address training to businesses in London; access issues, aim to provide an inclusive service to all visitors and coordinate the • commissioning accessibility audits provision of visitor information regarding of pedestrian hotspots, engaging accessible facilities and services. The with boroughs and local ‘Business LDA has provided £750,000 of funding Improvement Districts’ to help deliver over three years for the work. improvements;
44 Working towards an inclusive Games
• planning support for disabled visitors encountered. The Forum sought to to the 2012 Games as part of the establish the skills and knowledge London Ambassadors volunteer required of the hospitality, leisure and scheme. tourism businesses to meet the needs of customers with a disability, and to Other work to improve the experience identify the extent to which these are of disabled visitors in London includes reflected in current programmes and improvements to transport facilities qualifications; through the ODA’s ‘Accessible Transport Plan’. This includes enhancing travel • the publication of a business case options to venues and the wider ‘Accessible tourism: making it work city, improving London’s transport for your business’ by DCMS on infrastructure, providing better behalf of the Forum in January 2010, information for disabled travellers on the which was launched at a tourism tubes and buses, improving perceptions stakeholders’ conference in London. and expectations of public transport This showed that visitors with access by communicating changes to disabled needs made some 12 per cent of all people effectively, and improving overnight domestic trips in England disability awareness and training for between January and June 2009 – transport staff. contributing almost £1 billion to the economy. Similarly, the Accessible Tourism Stakeholder Forum has continued to A session on ‘Accessible London’ looking work on improving the welcome given at how London can become more to disabled visitors, through better accessible as it approaches 2012 for the training and skills and the provision of Olympic Games and Paralympic Games accessible facilities and information. was included in the GLA’s Disability Membership of the Forum was Capital event for deaf and disabled enlarged in 2009 to include the One stakeholders in September 2009. and All Foundation (set up to promote diversity in the hospitality industry), the The event provided an opportunity to Employers Forum on Disability, Scope, question the organisations working Shopmobility, Mobilise, and Accentuate. together, to ensure that spectators and visitors to London have a positive Its activities during 2009/10 have and inclusive experience. The session included: focused on LOCOG’s work identifying and auditing the accessibility of visitor • research conducted by People 1st to destinations like Covent Garden, establish what disabled people require Transport for London’s work to improve from tourism services and any barriers visitor information on accessible
45 transport and the LDA’s ‘London Open • embed Equality and Inclusion into the to All’ programme of tourism industry Business Plans for the ArcelorMittal improvements. Orbit and other legacy Venues;
The Legacy Company • embed Inclusion into the market In 2009/10 the Legacy Company testing exercises on the legacy venues. undertook a high level review of the Legacy Masterplan Framework (LMF). Service delivery The Diversity and Inclusion Team will The Company is in the process of continue to work closely with the producing a high level vision for functional areas within LOCOG and also the long-term development of the our external delivery partners to ensure Olympic Park after the Games, which that 22 projects are inclusive so that will inform the legacy planning LOCOG can fulfil its promise of delivering application. The legacy vision and Everyone’s London 2012. Some examples the legacy planning application will of intervention are: take into account the views of local communities and equality groups • The LOAF (LOCOG Overlay Access expressed as part of the consultation, File) – LOCOG will continue to add stakeholder engagement and equality to this document and will have the impact assessment undertaken by the main section regarding the overlay of LDA. The legacy development of the venue completed in preparation for the Olympic Park has the opportunity to planned test events in 2011. be a beacon of inclusive design and accessibility. To support this aim the • Inclusive Uniforms – The Diversity and Legacy Company is: Inclusion Team are working closely with colleagues to ensure that the • developing a Design and Access London 2012 uniforms are inclusive Statement, as well as an Equality across all six diversity strands. Statement to support the Legacy Planning Application. These documents will form part of the application and will take account of all of the consultation, and Equality Impact Assessment work previously undertaken on the LDA’s LMF;
• establish an Inclusive Design Strategy, to inform the Legacy Company’s future work;
46 Working towards an inclusive Games We are using London 2012 to improve the standards of transport facilities for disabled people through the ODA’s Accessible Transport Plan, by enhancing travel options to venues and across the wider city.
© Transport for London Visual Image Service.
47 This is the human dimension of London 2012, changing people’s lives for the better – and changing our capital city for the better.
Capital Age © GLA
48 Working towards an inclusive Games
4 Communities
Our commitment for communities across the UK to take The statistics only tell a part of the story. part in cultural events long before the sporting competition kicks off. The five East London Host Boroughs Companies and workers are benefiting of Greenwich, Hackney, Newham, from London 2012 business contracts, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest are towns and cities are preparing to host home to over a fifth of London’s BAME foreign teams before the Games begin, people. and people of all ages and backgrounds are being inspired to get involved in All the organisations in the London sport and cultural events – whatever 2012 Equality and Diversity Forum their talents, ambitions or experience. continue to work to eliminate barriers to accessing opportunities throughout Key indicators of performance the UK. Although we each have our own Increase engagement with London’s responsibilities and work programmes communities and with people across the we have adopted a united approach UK, on the planning and preparation for to community engagement, ensuring the Games. that the Games meet the aspirations of diverse communities in London and • Across the UK, interest in London across the UK. 2012 remains at a high level, at 72 per cent in 2009. This is consistent with the Our aspirations go beyond the summer figure in 2008 and an increase from of 2012. We are determined that the 67 per cent in 2007. Games will improve the quality of life for local people. The Olympic Park • Levels of interest are significantly will be a blueprint for sustainable higher among people from BAME development, and be home for a vibrant groups. This is also reflected in higher new community with world-class than average levels of interest in housing, health, education and leisure the Host Boroughs, at 80 per cent. provision. This is the human dimension Among disabled people, 70 per cent of London 2012, changing people’s expressed interest, only slightly below lives for the better – and changing our the national average. capital city for the better. • Between 2007 and 2010, some We are also engaging with communities 68,000 people toured the Olympic right across the UK. Park on visits organised by the ODA and LOCOG. The Cultural Olympiad and programmes that underpin it will promote inclusion • The ODA’s publications Your Park and and equality, and provide opportunities Engage are distributed respectively to
49 10,000 homes and businesses across The construction hotline operates the Host Boroughs (with 40,000 24 hours a day. copies going to public venues like libraries) and 2,500 to homes and The LOCOG Community Relations businesses in the Host Boroughs Team’s activities include the London nearest to 2012 venues. 2012 Forum that holds meetings on a quarterly basis to liaise with the diverse Our programmes communities of London. The ODA, LOCOG and the Legacy Company are all engaging with local Topics on which Forum members have communities across the capital and contributed their ideas this year include specifically in the Host Boroughs. the education programme, ticket allocations, LOCOG’s Diversity Week Public engagement activity by these Programme, the Legacy Masterplan and other London 2012 stakeholders, for the Olympic Park and transport including central, London and local planning for the Games. government, has included statutory and non-statutory public consultation LOCOG’s programme of attendance processes, as well as road shows, at major community celebration activities in schools involving young events involved making contact with people and Olympic-themed stands at over 19,000 individual Londoners, large-scale community or borough-wide whilst community groups engaged events. with LOCOG benefitted from the opportunity to visit the Olympic Park The ODA continues to maintain contact through LOCOG’s allocation from the with the local community neighbouring ODA Park Tour programme. the Olympic Park and in other areas where they are responsible for 2012 LOCOG’s advocacy programme has building work – such as the site for grown and meets on a regular basis the Lee Valley White Water Centre in with community leaders representing Hertfordshire. It organises regular tours LGBT Londoners, older Londoners, faith of the Olympic Park and in this work it communities, black Londoners, Chinese has now been joined by the new OPLC. Londoners, women, deaf Londoners, disabled Londoners, Irish Londoners and The ODA has delivered a wide the residents of the Host Boroughs. This programme of engagement events with has led to an increased role for these local people throughout 2009/10, as leaders as advocates within their own well as running telephone hotlines, communities, and to wider coverage of both for general comments and queries Games news in community media. and for complaints about building work.
50 Working towards an inclusive Games
Case study
© James O Jenkins Get moving
Big Dance was established as a two- yearly festival in 2006 by the Mayor of London in partnership with Arts Council England and has grown to become the UK’s most important dance festival, with opportunities to experience, learn about and take part in dance.
This biennial celebration of dance aims to encourage as many people as possible to get into dance, increase their fitness levels and generate a legacy of dance The initiative has contributed for all. More than a major dance festival, significantly to the health and well- Big Dance is a vibrant campaign to get being of Londoners with over one everyone taking part – wherever they are, million people taking part. As part of the whatever their age, experience or ability. Mayor’s 2012 legacy commitment and aided by a grant of £2.9 million from Big Dance 2008 was enjoyed by an Legacy Trust UK, the target for 2012 is estimated half a million participants that three million people will have been with over 500 events across London. Big involved in Big Dance. Dance 2010 in July built on this success with many events specifically targeting older people, young women, excluded communities and ensuring disabled people are integrated into all activity.
51 Throughout the UK Non-commercial organisations The London 2012 Nations and Regions running projects and events inspired Group (NRG) is responsible for ensuring by the Games can apply to have them that the whole of the UK makes the recognised through this programme most of the Games. The group is run and use the Inspire Mark brand. Only jointly by LOCOG and the Department the most accessible, participative, for Culture, Media and Sport. The inspiring and stimulating projects and group has representatives from each events will achieve the Mark – across of the nine English regions as well as sport, culture, education, sustainability, the nations of Wales, Scotland and volunteering and business. Northern Ireland. Applications are open to non- Every month, senior officials from commercial organisations that can the London 2012 stakeholders visit demonstrate their ability to deliver the communities the length and breadth of project or event and produce the results the UK, from the Isle of Lewis to Exeter identified in their application. and from Caerphilly to Chelmsford. The Inspire Mark will be awarded to Thousands of people will take part in specific projects and events that are: cultural activities inspired by London 2012 through the Cultural Olympiad; • genuinely inspired by the London thousands more will take part in social, 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. sporting and sustainable Inspire Mark projects; more than 650 facilities • well planned and managed; across the UK are in with a chance of having an Olympic or Paralympic team • fully funded from non-commercial train at their venue pre-Games (many sources and with no commercial agreements have already been signed); association; and the Games are creating £700 million worth of business opportunities • innovative and inspiring; that business all around the UK have the opportunity to benefit from. • and likely to achieve at least one of our key outcomes (for example, Providing the Inspiration increased participation in grassroots London 2012’s Inspire programme is sports). helping bring alive the benefits of the London 2012 Games in every corner of the UK, whether inner city areas; suburbs; market towns; small villages or rural communities.
52 Working towards an inclusive Games
Case study
Taking big steps The project works alongside national initiatives such as Playground to The 500th project to be awarded the Podium (see Section 5 for further Inspire Mark was Steps to Inclusion, an details) and is the first disability- innovative coach education programme themed project in the Yorkshire and that strives to enhance and increase the Humber region to be recognised by the number of high-quality participating Inspire programme. opportunities available to disabled people across South Yorkshire. ‘As well as encouraging
The Steps to Inclusion project combines participation, Steps to Inclusion helps workshops and practical sessions with build confidence and promotes healthier further training opportunities and was lifestyles for people of all ages and developed through dialogue with the South Yorkshire Disability Sport and abilities. It provides high-quality coach Physical Activity Steering Group, local education for local clubs and coaches clubs and coaches. to enable them to provide inclusive services for everyone.’
As a consequence of the project, grassroots sports clubs are increasing and improving what they are offering disabled people in their local communities and changing attitudes and perceptions.
Achievements include a gymnastics club in Barnsley that is offering special sessions for disabled people, cricket clubs in Sheffield and Doncaster that are now visiting special schools, and new inclusive sessions at local badminton clubs.
The Federation of Disability Sports Organisations is driving forward the project. Its Chief Executive, Kevan Halliday-Brown, said he was delighted it had been chosen.
© Vasiliki Scurfield 53 Using the 2012 opportunity London to disseminate information to Big Dance is just one of the initiatives resident communities and help ensure being backed by the Mayor of London easy access to the UK for foreign visitors that are already capitalising on, or in 2012. are planning to use, the power of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to The Mayor has also launched a whole inspire change and make life better for range of sports initiatives to get people Londoners of all ages, communities and active, which will be detailed further. backgrounds. Reaching out Programmes and work include: The GLA and the Mayor of London continue to undertake activity to connect • the Mayoral Education Legacy with the capital’s many communities and programme, including initiatives to groups. benefit hard-to-reach sections of the community; In September 2009, the GLA staged the Disability Capital conference, a key • engagement with young people, forum for disabled people, policy makers for instance through a special and representative organisations, with consultation meeting (Your London, speakers including Richard Barnes, Your Say), with 500 young Londoners Deputy Mayor and chairman of the in September 2009; London 2012 Equality and Diversity Forum. The London 2012 Olympic Games • the Young Londoners Fund, and Paralympic Games were among the running between 2009 and 2011, topics discussed. and providing £5 million for 11 voluntary sector youth projects to The Capital Age Festival is London’s provide positive opportunities for largest arts festival organised by, for and disadvantaged young people; with older people. This year’s Winter Gathering event in March 2010 included • increasing the numbers of volunteers the screening of a film on the 1948 and apprentices across the capital; Olympic Games, the last Games to be held in London, and featuring interviews with • action to tackle human trafficking competitors in the Games. This offered up to and during the London 2012 opportunities to promote dialogue Games, a key part of the Mayor’s between the generations, as well as strategy to tackle violence against ensuring that older Londoners feel they women and girls; are involved in the London 2012 Games.
• working with Embassies based in
54 Working towards an inclusive Games
Looking ahead how their programmes have engaged The GLA has now appointed an diverse communities across London. Inspire Mark co-ordinator for London to work with organisations with an The GLA is now working on plans to use involvement in equality and diversity Trafalgar Square as a live site during the to identify projects and events for Paralympic Games in 2012. inclusion in the London 2012 Inspire programme. The Home Office is taking forward plans to engage with BAME audiences and The Mayoral Education Legacy media as part of the communications programme will launch its 2010/11 activity surrounding its strategy to create programme in November 2010 by a safe, secure and resilient Games. inviting hard-to-reach groups to put forward projects inspired by the 2012 The Home Office is also identifying Games. The groups must consider additional requirements in
Volunteers at the Your London, Your Say consultation meeting, September 2009. © James O Jenkins
55 communicating with disability LOCOG is committed to making sure audiences, to ensure that these London 2012 is ‘everyone’s Games’ and audiences are involved with their work. staging an inspirational and memorable Games, in which everyone can take Legacy Company part and feel inspired. The diversity of The Legacy Company continues to London was one of the reasons why undertake a comprehensive stakeholder London was chosen to host the Games. engagement programme with local communities and stakeholders. This The first pin badge to be launched was includes: in support of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. • establishing strong and positive The badges went on sale at London links with equality and inclusion Pride on Saturday 3 July and will also stakeholders; be available from the London 2012 online shop. • delivering a comprehensive community engagement programme including the Legacy Company’s Youth Panel which enables local young people to get involved in planning for legacy, and the schools outreach programme; Further pin badges will be launched • developing an events strategy to over the next year and will celebrate animate the park in the early years belief, age, disability, gender and in a way which promotes cultural ethnicity. diversity and cohesion; and Welsh rugby player Gareth Thomas said: • embedding an Equality and Inclusion ‘It’s great to see LOCOG reaching out to theme within the estates and all communities and making sure that facilities management strategy. London 2012 is a Games for everyone, in which every community feels Diversity Pin Badges included. I hope that everyone buys The London Organising Committee of and wears their pin badge with pride the Olympic Games and Paralympic and helps us achieve greater inclusion Games (LOCOG) announced that it will in sport.’ be issuing a series of pin badges to celebrate its six strands of diversity and inclusion and engage all communities to support London 2012.
56 Working towards an inclusive Games
‘Our ambition is to deliver an Olympic Games and Paralympic Games for everyone and making sure diversity and inclusion is a key part of the Games will help ensure they are a real success. We also need great suppliers and partners to deliver a great Games – our Business Charter will ensure we are setting new standards for best practice in this area and will leave a legacy of greater inclusion and understanding of diversity.’
Paul Deighton, Chief Executive of LOCOG © LOCOG
Paul Deighton, Chief Executive of ‘We also want to leave a legacy of LOCOG said: ‘Our vision is as bold as greater inclusion and understanding of it is simple – to use the power of the diversity. Our diversity and inclusion pin Games to inspire change. We want to badge range, starting with the LGBT reach out to all parts of the community pin badge, is one way of showing our and connect them with London 2012. support for a sporting environment built upon equality and inclusion.’
57 ‘London’s vision is to reach young people all around the world, to connect them with The vision for London 2012 the inspirational power of the Games – is to reach young people all around the world to connect so they are inspired to choose sport.’ them to the inspirational power of the 2012 Games. Seb Coe © Sport England
58 Working towards an inclusive Games
5 Participants
Our commitment Key indicators of performance We are already doing what we Provide enhanced sporting promised – delivering on the vision opportunities for minority groups, spelled out by Sebastian Coe before women and disabled people. London was awarded the Games in Singapore in 2005: • In 2008/09, some 6.93 million adults and young people over 16 ‘There must be no barriers to in England (16.6 per cent of the participating in sport and physical activity population) participated in sport – no glass ceilings limiting what can be three times a week for 30 minutes achieved, no out-dated or misguided at moderate intensity – a jump of attitudes stifling ambition. And this more than half a million from the applies to all sections of the community. ‘ first survey in 2005/06, and an increase from 6.815 million in the Our aim has been to change the lives 2007/08 survey. of young people at home and abroad, reflecting the global spirit of the • In comparison with the previous Olympic and Paralympic movements. year’s survey, participation among women decreased from 2.79 million But this is not just about inspiring the (13.1 per cent) to 2.73 million youth of the world to choose sport. (12.7 per cent) and participation among disabled people fell from We want to get more women, disabled 429,500 (6.7 per cent) to 386,700 people, and people from BAME (6.1 per cent). backgrounds actively involved by raising everyone’s awareness of sport, and • But participation among men broadening the appeal of the Games. increased from 4.03 million (20 per cent) to 4.2 million (20.6 per cent) And our vision of increased and among non-white adults and participation is not just about sport. It young people over 16 from 615,000 seeks to get more people volunteering (16.1 per cent) to 713,800 to improve their local communities, (17 per cent). not just in 2012, and taking part in the cultural events that will run parallel with Our programmes the Olympic Games and Paralympic Our strategy to increase the number of Games. people taking part in competitive sport and being more active has been driven by evidence. Plans have been carefully developed throughout to get results, with London 2012 stakeholders in
59 partnership with the governing bodies delivering the participation legacy who know their sports best. In addition, from the London 2012 Olympic Games working with Sport England, the British and Paralympic Games. Olympic Association (BOA) and LOCOG, we are looking at how the inspiration of Sport England will have two clear aims: the Games and the increased funding available through changes to the • Delivering on the substantial lottery share for Sport England can be investment made to NGBs to achieve channelled to create a distinctive sports the outcomes set in individual whole legacy for London 2012. sport plans; and
Sports legacy and Whole Sport Plans • Driving a mass-participation Sport England, the government sport legacy from the Games and agency responsible for community subsequent world-class events. sport, funds national governing bodies of sport (NGBs) and will Governing bodies of both Olympic also take the lead responsibility for and Paralympic sports are at the heart
© Sport England
60 Working towards an inclusive Games ‘The government is committed to making sure that London 2012 is an accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone. LOCOG and the ODA have championed the equality and diversity agenda since their inception, and are now hailed as innovators and exemplars in this field. Also, our Disability Action Plan – the For governing bodies, developing sport for women, disability sport, and first for an Olympic and Paralympic Games – reaching out to diverse communities is has been well received by the IOC and IPC. not an optional extra but a vital part of what they are required to do. We are determined to continue on this journey of making sure that the Games will inspire more The Sailability initiative launched by and more people across the UK and globally to the Royal Yachting Association has led to 20,000 disabled people being able be active and take up sport.’ to experience sailing and take part on Hugh Robertson, a regular basis. Minister for Sport and the Olympics The British Canoe Union’s Paddleability scheme includes an annual programme of the strategy as it is their networks of events for disabled paddlers, a of community clubs, coaches and revamped coach education programme, volunteers that make sport happen. a disability officer and personal performance awards. A substantial public investment is going to the 46 NGBs between 2009 Whole Sport Plans aim to be wholly and 2013. Each sport has developed inclusive. The creation of opportunities a Whole Sport Plan that explains for disabled people to participate in how it will use this money to achieve sport is just one element, and plans ambitious but realistic targets for are not confined to Olympic and increased participation set by Sport Paralympic events. Rugby League is England. For the first time this one of those using Whole Sport Plan includes investment in disability sport funding to promote itself as a sport for NGBs. all ages – not just the young.
The importance of Whole Sport Plans has been re-affirmed since the General Election by the Minister for Sport and the Olympics, Hugh Robertson, who has put the programme at the heart of plans for a sports legacy from London 2012. He has also set Sport England the task of driving a mass participation legacy from the Games. Further details of programmes to support this will be announced later this year.
61 Case study
Active ages but the rules vary depending on the age of the player with the ball. The Masters Rugby League concept began in New Zealand in 1992, spread For instance, for players over 60 first to Australia and now to the UK. (wearing gold shorts), a touch by an opposing player constitutes a tackle, The sport you are used to seeing on whereas younger players are subject to TV is rough, tough and competitive – the sport’s normal rules. and young, with only 2,000 registered players in this country There are no winners, no champions over the age of 30. and no cup finals. Getting people active and the spirit of the game is People only play Masters Rugby League what matters – not proving a point or over the age of 35, with participants settling a score. Masters is about fun, wearing different coloured shorts participation and friendship. showing which age band they come from. Integrated teams include different © SBS Photography
62 Working towards an inclusive Games ‘London is gearing up to host the world in 2012. The wide range of fantastic events and activities planned at live sites and at venues across the capital, alongside the sporting spectacle, will be open and accessible to all and will be part of my pledge for London the 2012 Games to be the most outcomes across London shared by delivery bodies from London’s Sport accessible Games ever. and Health sectors. The objective is to The extensive improvements in preparation for give disabled people greater choice and better access to opportunities. the Games – including public transport, signage and provision of information – are integral to The Mayor is committed to ensuring ensuring disabled and able-bodied visitors, that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in sport and physical Londoners, the Games family and others can activity and this commitment forms a enjoy and keep moving around our city. key element of his equality framework for London, ‘Equal Life Chances for This will leave a lasting legacy for years to All’. It is a fact that at the moment come and I am sure will be the foundation for some people in some sections of the community feel excluded from sporting London’s continued success.’ activities and/or have particularly low Boris Johnson, Mayor of London rates of participation in the capital.
Mayor’s priorities These include those in lower socio- The Mayor’s priorities were spelled economic groups, young women aged out in A Sporting Future for London 14 to 24, older people, BAME people, published in December 2009. The disabled people, and LGBT people. PlaySport London initiative forms part of this – giving small grants to There are a number of programmes that community organisations. Beneficiaries are addressing the issue of participation in 2009 included a college cricket club amongst some of these groups, such as in Tower Hamlets, one of London’s Street Athletics. Almost three-quarters most diverse boroughs, and sitting of its participants have come from volleyball sessions for children and BAME groups. It is expected that all young people with learning disabilities, organisations that the Mayor works run by Richmond Volleyball. with will show what steps they are taking to ensure equality of access and The GLA, NHS London and the London opportunity. Sports Forum for Disabled People published ‘Inclusive and Active 2’, a As a priority, the London Community sport and physical activity strategy Sports Board is establishing a target in London covering 2010-2015. for increasing participation amongst The strategy aims to increase the disabled people in London. This will participation of disabled people by take into consideration the guidelines building on a common set of targeted set out in the Inclusive and Active
63 plan commissioned by the GLA, Sport Encouraging disabled people to be England and the London Sports Forum more active for Disabled People in 2007. • Providing a systematic approach to identify and support disabled people Springboard for disabled people not engaged in physical activity The London 2012 Plan: a legacy for through ‘Let’s Get Moving’, a new disabled people was launched in March care pathway for physical activity. 2010. The plan sets out schemes aimed at harnessing the power of the • Bringing together private and Games to improve the life chances of voluntary organisations to unlock disabled people in the run up to 2012, new resources that can help disabled and beyond – and will play a part in people increase their physical activity achieving the government’s goal of through the Physical Activity Alliance. disability equality. Widening sports opportunities for Its aims include changing perceptions disabled adults of disability and disabled people, • Sport England is continuing to encouraging greater participation in support efforts to integrate disability sport and physical activity, and providing sport with mainstream sport and more inclusive services and facilities. working with NGBs to tackle barriers to sports participation. This is the first ever Paralympic legacy plan and has been praised by the • The English Federation of Disability International Paralympic Committee. Sport (EFDS) received £1.45 million Chief Executive, Xavier Gonzalez, said: of Sport England funding for 2010/11 to help them deliver a new ‘This is the perfect fit for the IPC’s strategy to increase participation and strategy in this field. With such a plan opportunities for disabled people, the Paralympic Games can become and a legacy of excellence and the springboard to push the agenda inclusion in sport. forward. It is great to see that the plan is really long-term, far beyond the • In addition, making sure that London 2012 Games.’ disability sport is central to plans being developed by Sport England for In terms of sport and physical activity, a mass participation legacy. the aim is to remove barriers to sport and physical activity for disabled people, Widening sports opportunities for and reverse the trend of reduced disabled children and young people participation among disabled adults. • The Youth Sport Trust, the publicly This is being tackled in four key areas: funded charity that promotes sport
64 Working towards an inclusive Games
South Yorkshire Sport © Sarah Zagni
and physical activity in schools, is facilities to improve access and working to increase the proportion of services for disabled people by 2012 young disabled people taking part. through the Inclusive Fitness Initiative.
• Young disabled pupils have access • Ensuring that the London 2012 to once-a-term ‘Identifying Ability’ Olympic Park sets new standards in days, pointing them towards County inclusive design. Assessment Centres. No limits to what can be achieved • In addition, ensuring that disabled London 2012, the Olympic Lottery young people are given the chance to Distributor and the UK Arts Councils take part in high-quality competition announced that as part of the and working to achieve the best ‘Unlimited’ programme the first round format for this. of disabled artists who had been awarded £400,000 of funding for Increasing the supply of accessible ten commissions. Further rounds and facilities funding will be available in 2010 and • Encouraging 1,000 sport and leisure 2011.
65 © Sport England
The scheme, which celebrates arts, Channel 4 will show more than 150 cultural and sporting activity by disabled hours of coverage during the 12 days of and deaf people, aims to help transform the Paralympic Games – far more than the disability arts movement in the UK has ever been screened in the UK. and capitalise on the inspiration of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. It was also announced in March, as part of the Legacy Plan for disabled people, The commissions unveiled in March that the Government and London 2012 include Candoco Unlimited (by the stakeholders would be working with Candoco Dance Company, London), The Channel 4 to ensure that coverage of Screaming Silence of the Wind (Maurice the Paralympic Games was appropriate Orr, Northern Ireland) and Mind the and accessible and that broadcasting Gap – Irresistible, by Jez Colbourne from of disability sport would be extended Yorkshire. before and after the Games in August and September 2012. TV boost for disability sport LOCOG announced in January that they Before the Games, key disability sports had awarded the UK broadcast rights and sporting events will be covered. Two for the London 2012 Paralympic Games peak time 10-part documentaries will to Channel 4 after a highly competitive be screened in 2011 and 2012, covering tendering process. the stories of the athletes and increasing
66 Working towards an inclusive Games
public understanding of and enthusiasm Unlimited, the split is almost 50/50. for Paralympic sport. This autumn’s new schemes will include an indoor football course for visually- Strong human stories about the capacity impaired children and young people in of sport to help disabled people were Gloucestershire. also among the winners of the BBC’s Power of Sport regional awards, New sports clubs being established supported in 2009 by Sport England. in 3,000 schools and colleges as part of the Change4Life initiative will offer These included the Children’s Able and five Olympic and two Paralympic sports Disabled Sport project in Cheshire and (boccia and wheelchair basketball), and Greater Manchester and the Power will have a strong focus on encouraging Chair football scheme in Hampshire, young disabled people to play sport. which has enabled young wheelchair users to play the sport using giant Sporting Equals was established by footballs in a fun and safe environment. Sport England in 1998 in partnership with the then Commission for Racial No one left out Equality, but is now an independent Sport England is committed to an body. Sporting Equals exists to inclusive approach in all its mainstream promote ethnic diversity across sport schemes – including Sport Unlimited, and physical activity, and is the only which has so far enabled almost half organisation in the UK to do so. This a million young people to try new includes an increase in participation, activities. volunteers and staff from black and minority ethnic backgrounds working in Sport Unlimited is aimed at youngsters sports organisations. not yet playing sport on a regular basis out of school time and is boosting ‘Access to Sport’ is a community-led participation by giving them the sports development project operating freedom to choose the sports on offer. in the North London boroughs of The most popular sports for boys Islington, Haringey and Hackney. include boxing, midnight basketball The project is designed to increase and free running. For girls, it is fencing, participation and provide quality sports gymnastics and badminton. provision for under-represented groups. The project is based on a partnership Thanks to this approach, the approach between a broad range of programme is proving a success in agencies including local community tackling the gender divide in sport. organisations, such as sports clubs, Fewer than two in five adults playing tenants associations and voluntary sport are women, but with Sport youth groups, local and national
67 organisations and statutory partners Boosting competition such as local authorities. The UK School Games, staged in Cardiff, Newport and Swansea in They have developed accredited 2009, was integrated so that young training for local people enabling them people competing in Olympic and to become involved in sports coaching Paralympic sports could rub shoulders and a range of accessible and affordable and get the chance to experience the sports activities for young people. Much atmosphere and pressures of a major of the work is organised by local groups sporting event together. who develop and deliver sports activities in local venues, notably housing estates, The 2010 event, being held in the parks and other open spaces and provide North-East of England, is featuring support and assistance to local sports 1,600 high-achieving young athletes organisations and voluntary groups competing in ten sports – including interested in sports. three with events for those with physical and learning disabilities, athletics, The funding from Sporting Equals swimming and table tennis. has helped to fund a Project Co- ordinator, helping partners to increase The coalition government announced sports participation by priority groups in June that it would be establishing a and coaching to develop their sports new Olympic and Paralympic-style sports development potential. competition from 2011 with local leagues and county competitions building up to The project provides a programme national finals in the run-up to the 2012 of accredited sport award courses Olympic and Paralympic Games. including football, basketball, cricket, athletics, netball, sports leadership Schools will also be encouraged to courses and multi-skills programmes. host in-house Olympic-style sports About 130 people from ethnic minority days so that children of all abilities communities have taken part in the 198 have the opportunity to compete. training coach education programmes. There will be a Paralympic element at every level of the competition for They have been given advice and young people with disabilities. support in gaining sports coaching experience through networking with At the announcement in June, other sports clubs and assisted other Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, coaches, helping to increase coaching Media and Sport Jeremy Hunt said: capacity for the clubs. ‘I want to give a real boost to competitive sport in schools using the
68 Working towards an inclusive Games
Participants in the Playground to Podium scheme. © Sport England.
power of hosting the Olympic Games age into sport – as well as spotting and Paralympic Games to encourage talented young people and starting young people – whatever age or ability them on a pathway that will lead them – to take part in this new competition. through sport and potentially to the highest level, the Paralympic Games. ‘Competitive sport – whether you win or lose – teaches young people great Young people at a Playground to lessons for life. It encourages teamwork, Podium event in Plymouth in March dedication and striving to be the best (pictured) got the chance to show off that you can be. This will be a key part their skills in front of qualified NGB of our drive to leave a real lasting sports coaches from wheelchair basketball, legacy from London’s Games.’ football, table tennis and athletics. Everyone attending an assessment Spotting potential, day, whatever their level of talent, is promoting activity being steered towards more sports The Playground to Podium scheme, opportunities, with teachers also being organised by Sport England, the Youth given the opportunity to develop their Sport Trust, the English Federation of own knowledge and understanding Disability Sport and ParalympicsGB, of how to spot ability and nurture it. aims to get disabled people of school
69 ParalympicsGB continues to stage ‘There are a lot of medals up for grabs in ‘Potential Days’ in their bid to identify 2012 and we want to make sure we have fresh talent. Phil Lane, its Chief left no stone unturned in the search for Executive, explained: potential Paralympians who can represent ‘There are a lot of medals up for grabs Great Britain in 2012 and beyond.’ in 2012 and we want to make sure we have left no stone unturned in the search for potential Paralympians who disabled young people and internally can represent Great Britain in 2012 and displaced people. International beyond.’ Inspiration works to make sport and PE more inclusive through methods Global vision for sport such as leadership training, peer The International Inspiration scheme mentoring and influencing teaching launched in January 2008 is an example methodologies, so that young people of how London 2012 is using the power of all abilities have the chance to make of sport to improve lives, not just in the the most of the opportunities that PE UK, but across the world. and sport can bring. In Azerbaijan, the programme also influenced new Now fifteen developing and emerging legislation to make sport and PE economy countries are being helped more comprehensive and inclusive – by the initiative, which is funded by especially for girls and women and for the Government, the British Council, children of all abilities. UNICEF, the FA Premier League and private donors. It has already enriched This emphasis on inclusion is not the lives of more than six million unique to Azerbaijan. In November young people. 2009, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson visited Jordan to see the scheme at Increasing social inclusion is one of work, visiting the Souf refugee camp the fundamental principles of the where Mouayyed, a wheelchair user programme. International Inspiration is one of the students having the aims to integrate those groups that are chance to take part in sport thanks to currently excluded from sport and play, International Inspiration. creating wider social cohesion in the countries that it operates. Equality Standard for Sport In September 2009, LOCOG became For example, in Azerbaijan, there only the third organisation in the UK has been an emphasis on increased to achieve the Intermediate Level of access to sport for disadvantaged the Equality Standard for Sport, a tool groups including girls and women, to guide sports’ governing bodies,
70 Working towards an inclusive Games
sports organisations and County Sports projects across the capital this summer Partnerships towards achieving equality. and next year as part of the PlaySport London: Free Sport initiative. Previously, LOCOG had achieved the Preliminary Level award, and its work Throughout July, August and had been hailed as ‘comprehensive’ and September, Londoners are being given a model for others to follow. the chance to try out new sports and physical pursuits. These include Looking ahead traditional sports, less familiar ones Free for all like trampolining and martial arts, and The Mayor of London launched in activities specifically aimed at young June 2010 a multi-million pound families, disabled and older Londoners. push to inspire Londoners of all ages and abilities to get active. It includes Free Sport is part of the Mayor’s £30 £340,000 invested in around 120 million commitment to create a sporting
© Sport England
71 legacy up to and beyond 2012, by part in sport, currently running at under supporting an array of sporting half the level for non-disabled people. activities and initiatives across the capital. The aim is to inspire Londoners A further £8 million of National to get more active and increase Lottery funding has been set aside for participation, by investing in grassroots investment in schemes to get disabled sport, improving sporting infrastructure people into sport, to be announced and building capacity and skills. later in 2010.
The Mayor of London has also provided And Sport England will also announce funding for the Panathlon Challenge later this year the organisations that in London in Summer 2009. This is a have been allocated grants from its £10 London-wide Paralympic-style sports million ‘Active Women’ initiative, which tournament involving over 1,000 young will focus in particular on women from disabled people. disadvantaged communities and those looking after children. Meeting the challenge No one can doubt that reversing the There are a number of challenges long-term trend of lower participation facing women wanting to take part in sport amongst women and disabled in sport. Time constraints, childcare, people is a considerable challenge. transport, cost, friends to go with and self-confidence can all represent Sport England is using innovative barriers to women’s participation. themed funding rounds to address some of the biggest challenges At present, one in eight women standing in the way of increased regularly play sport in England. Whilst participation. this has increased significantly in the last four years, women’s participation Inclusive Sport – launched in March still trails their male counterparts, 2010 – is a programme designed to with one in five men active and the improve opportunities to play sport for gap increasing. Sport England figures those with disabilities. show that women from disadvantaged communities do even less sport, with The English Federation of Disability just one in ten taking part regularly. Sports and eight other organisations were invited to bid for £2 million of The themed funding rounds are National Lottery funding to help them designed to contribute Sport England’s improve their provision for disabled objective of getting one million more people. The funding aims to increase people playing sport on a regular basis the number of disabled people taking by 2013.
72 Working towards an inclusive Games
Participants in the Playground to Podium scheme. © Sport England.
Legacy Company • developing opportunities to ensure the The Legacy Company will create a legacy parklands are a place for active unique and inspiring place for events recreation and healthy living and leisure activities, a major centre for sport and culture, new communities built • and ensuring the needs of local and around family housing with a range of diverse communities are being built affordability, and a hub for enterprise and into the heart of the plans for the innovation. The Company is committed to legacy venues. the highest standards of environmental sustainability and estate management, Equality Standard for Sport using the park’s assets to create a place LOCOG aspires to be the first this is accessible to everyone. To support organisation in the UK to achieve the this the Legacy Company is: Advanced level of the Standard and will be working with UK Sport to encourage • developing an events strategy which all the National Governing Bodies enables culturally diverse and large (NGBs) to use the Equality Standard as scale events to animate the park and their planning tool regarding Equality bring people in from surrounding within their organisations. neighbourhoods;
73 Conclusion
The second annual report of the London 2012 Equality and Diversity Forum reflects the range of work that the members have undertaken during the last year.
We have focused on delivering key aspects of our respective programmes through employment opportunities in construction on the Olympic Park; opening up access to sports activities to communities that have traditionally been hugely under represented; communicating the volunteering and business opportunities across the country and to every section of the community.
As we move forward we will continue to concentrate on areas and activities that will have the widest benefits: such as accessibility, volunteering, city operations and all this with a view to influencing the lasting legacy of London 2012.
We have used the performance indicators as a mechanism to ensure we adhere to our individual and collective commitments. The next edition will see the Forum continuing to deliver its programmes and promises building on the progress of the last two years.
74 Working towards an inclusive Games
Appendix i
Diversity Statement • Engage with representatives of the The London 2012 Olympic and UK’s and London’s many diverse Paralympic bid promised to reach out communities to understand their to the youth of the world through sport aspirations for the Games and how we and to inspire the world through the can involve them in its development diversity of London and the UK, with and delivery. the Olympic and Paralympic ideals. • Encourage people across the UK The Olympic Charter and Paralympic and London to take pride in working Constitution strongly oppose any form together to deliver the best Games of discrimination and more than that, ever. they seek to create a way of life which respects individuals, values their effort • Reach out to young people across and recognises their inherent dignity. the world to inspire them with the Olympic and Paralympic ideals The Games offers an unprecedented through encouraging participation in opportunity to regenerate an area sport. of East London that suffers from severe economic inequality and social • Promote positively the diversity of deprivation and can produce economic London and the UK. and social benefits across the country. • Monitor and publish what we are London 2012 will live those values in doing to ensure that we are delivering everything we do. on this promise.
We will: We will know we have succeeded if: • Treat everyone involved in developing • The UK’s diverse communities take and delivering London 2012 fairly and part and celebrate London 2012, and with respect. the world sees and recognises the inclusion of our diverse population. • Be an exemplar of equality and diversity practice in our employment • The employment, training and and recruitment, in the way we business opportunities arising from procure and deliver goods and the regeneration of East London are services and how we communicate shared by all its diverse communities. with our stakeholders and the public. • The facilities we leave in legacy are • Build the Olympic and Paralympic accessible and used by all. Park as a model for inclusivity and accessibility. • The diverse communities of East
75 London feel engaged with and have a sense of ownership of the delivery of the Games.
• All people can take pride in what has been achieved.
• Young people from all communities in the UK and developing countries have greater opportunities to engage in sport and realise their potential.
• Other major projects use the Games as a benchmark of excellence for inclusivity both in physical design, accessibility and social impact.
• Future Games have equality and respect for diversity at their heart.
• Skills and experience are developed and sustained by individuals across our diverse communities.
76 Working towards an inclusive Games
Appendix ii
London 2012 Equality and monitor the progress that is being Diversity Forum – Terms of made on the delivery of national and Reference regional equality commitments and objectives for the Games. Background Following the award of the Games, Name the Olympic bodies – the London 1. The group shall be called the Organising Committee of the Olympic ‘London 2012 Equality and Games and Paralympic Games Ltd. Diversity Forum’. (‘LOCOG’) and the Olympic Delivery Authority (‘ODA’) – have been Aims & Objectives developing their equalities strategies. 2. The Forum will: a. Discuss, evaluate and monitor equality The Games are of national significance and diversity matters that relate to and importance, offering a range of the Games, and work to ensure that real opportunities to communities, equality and diversity is effectively co- organisations and businesses. ordinated, integrated and promoted Regionally, the Games are taking place in the preparation, delivery and legacy in the most diverse city in the world. of the Games and ensure that the Over 300 languages are spoken in benefits of the Games reach all parts London and the Games provide a once of the community. in a lifetime opportunity to transform the life chances of Londoners and b. Provide the environment to benefit the whole of the UK, by consolidate Games related equality ensuring that equality and diversity and diversity achievements to date, are embedded in the planning, and drive these forward by providing delivery and legacy benefits of the advice, sharing examples of best Games. practice, and identifying blockages to progress that need to be addressed. The national commitment to equality and diversity is reflected in the 2012 Membership Olympic Diversity Statement, which 3. Membership shall consist of was agreed by the Olympics Board senior representatives from: Steering Group on 25 May 2007. The a. LOCOG London 2012 Equality and Diversity Forum (‘the Forum’) has been b. ODA established as the primary vehicle through which the Olympic bodies c. Greater London Authority (‘GLA’) and stakeholder organisations will (chair) work jointly to support, champion and
77 d. London Development Agency Accountability (‘LDA’) 4. The Forum will report to the Olympic Board Steering Group. e. Government Olympic Executive (‘GOE’)/ Department for Culture, Meetings Media and Sport (‘DCMS’) 5. The Forum will meet quarterly, supported by additional officer f. Equality and Human Rights discussions to ensure relevant Commission information and advice is prepared for meetings. Further g Olympic Park Legacy Company organisations may be invited to attend meetings where they h. The Forum may include additional have expertise relevant to the second members from these agenda. organisations as required and may co-opt members where appropriate. Venues 6. The meetings will take place at City Hall unless otherwise agreed.
Other 7. The Forum will be serviced by a secretariat drawn from member organisations.
8. The terms of reference will be reviewed annually.
78 Working towards an inclusive Games
Appendix iii
The Commission for a Sustainable London 2012 is an independent body which monitors and assures the sustainability of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Commission was set up in January 2007 to fulfil this promise. It is the first time such a Commission has ever been established.
The Commission monitors the sustainability plans, objectives and progress of the organisations responsible for building and delivering the London 2012 Games.
The aim of the Commission for a Sustainable London 2012 is:
• to provide independent assurance and commentary:
• to enable the sustainability objectives of the London 2012 programme to be achieved, and
• to support a sustainable legacy.
Their remit is nationwide. There are three strands to their work:
• Providing assurance
• Acting as a critical friend
• Engaging with wider stakeholders
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80 MoL/Aug10/CS/GLA1548
Working towards towards Working 2009-10 Annual Report The Second of 2012 the London Forum Equality and Diversity an inclusive inclusive an Games
Working towards an inclusive Games The Second Annual Report of the London 2012 Equality and Diversity Forum