Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy

 We actively encourage diversity and will strive to be in inclusive organisation promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all are recognised and valued.

We are committed to creating an environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation, and unlawful discrimination in relation, but not limited, to age, gender, disability, race, religion, and sexual orientation.

a. Your Age

If your age is under 16, we will normally accept your application only if you come to camp with a parent or someone else who will take responsibility for your care and your behaviour. 

b. Gender

We will ensure everyone’s right to privacy and appropriate care with regard to, and irrespective of gender.

We will give volunteers an equal opportunity to train in all types of personal care regardless of gender. We will never use your gender to help us decide who is the best person to provide care in any situation unless the receiver of care has a preference. We will not assume that any person receiving care has a preference without asking. 

c. Gender Identity

Almost all of our spaces are ungendered or have gender-neutral alternatives. We will have people available before, during and after camp who understand nonbinary and trans issues, who can help talk through and resolve anything which worries you.

d. Ability and disability

We provide a range of challenging activities for people who have a wide variety of abilities and disabilities. You might not be able to participate fully in every activity, but whatever your ability and experience, we aim to provide you with some activities to challenge and stretch you in a supportive environment.

People of all abilities and disabilities will have an equal opportunity to provide care if we can make it safe to do so. 

e. Recruitment of ex-offenders

As an organisation using the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) service to assess applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, Odyssians complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes to treat all applicants fairly. We undertake not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure on the basis of conviction or other information revealed.

We make decisions based on the information you provide and your DBS certificate. We will risk-assess your application and reject it if we reasonably suspect it may pose a significant risk to you or others.

Because we work intensively with vulnerable people and children, the law says you must declare convictions to us, including those which would otherwise be “spent”. If you do not, then you might be breaking the law, and we might have to withdraw your offer of a place at camp or send you home without notice. We may also be required to refer you to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, please use our Contact Us form.

This policy was last revised and updated June 2025