2019 Solheim Cup: equality impact assessment

This document focuses on identifying the headline evidence and related opportunities to boost equality though the 2019 Solheim Cup.


Executive Summary

This document focuses on identifying the headline evidence and related opportunities to boost equality though the 2019 Solheim Cup. https://www.solheimcup2019.com/

The results EQIA for the Solheim Cup is under-pinned by the wider and continuously developed EQIA for Tourism and Events Policy, held by the Scottish Government.

Partners have agreed that the Scottish Government will lead the EQIA process for the 2019 Solheim Cup. The delivery of the opportunities that this process has identified are led by IMG Golf with support from VisitScotland.

Partners have prepared an Inclusion Strategy for the Solhiem Cup (see pages 7-8) to harness its significant potential to boost equality and diversity as we progress towards 9-15 September and more widely.

The EQIA process for the 2019 Solheim Cup has identified:

  • that the 2019 Solheim Cuphas no negative impacts on any of the protected characteristics and that partner activity should therefore focus on harnessing the full potential of the event to boost equality, inclusion and diversity. Given the nature of the Solheim Cup, showcasing and boosting gender equality in sport is the key opportunity related to this event. However this is not the only opportunity, others include boosting accessibly for disabled and older people and also welcoming the LGBTI community;
  • a lack of supporting data/evidence related to the engagement of the LGBTI and minority ethnic/faith communities in major sporting/golf events;
  • a growing body of evidence related to the engagement of disabled and older people in tourism and events - boosted by data gathered in support of VisitScotland's Inclusive Tourism Project (accessibility strand). This evidence showcases a particular opportunity to boost accessibility at major events like the Solheim Cup and the significant benefits this can have particularly for older and disabled people;
  • that to boost equality related to the Solheim Cup it is important to build on the successes and lessons/learning from other major golfing and other events (like the 2014 Ryder Cup), VisitScotland's Inclusive Tourism Project (accessibility strand) and also to link into key strategies such as the National Events Strategy 2015-2025;
  • that significant wider partner activity to boost equality through tourism and events is already underway. For example the suite of tools to boost accessible tourism available from VisitScotland's website. Where possible this existing activity should also be built on for the 2019 Solheim Cup, in addition to exploring opportunities for new bespoke actions, with a focus on activities which leave a legacy beyond this event; and
  • that the Solheim Cup also provides particular opportunities to further engage young people (particularly young women).

Headline actions

Building on the evidence available, the opportunity and Solheim Cup Inclusion Strategy a wide range of activity is being provided to boost equality at the Solheim Cup. Further information is set out later in this paper. Some headlines of the evidence, opportunity and actions are set out below:

Note: impacts and lessons and learning from the actions delivered to boost equality through the Solheim Cup 2019 will be captured after the event in the Lessons Learnt and Transfer of Knowledge Reports.

Headline Evidence Opportunity Action
Evidence from stakeholder engagement highlights that one of the most effective ways to welcome all of the protected groups is through focused marketing and PR activity to underline the welcome and also to ensure that people see their communities reflected in media, for example promotional images. Marketing and PR. Actions underway to proactively encourage/invite participation in the 2019 Solheim Cup- including women and girls, disabled people, young people and families- and via marketing campaigns, press releases, discussions with national inclusion charities representatives and targeted newsletters.
In 2011, the proportion of people in Scotland with a long-term activity-limiting health problem or disability was 20% (1,040,000 people) (2011 Scotland census). Feedback from organisations representing disabled people highlights that for events the provision of comprehensive accessibility information on the journey to the site and at the site itself is key. Provision of information on accessibility. Welcoming disabled and older people to the event. -An accessibility guide has been prepared for the Solheim Cup (see https://www.accessibilityguides.org/content/solheim-cup-2019-9th-15th-september);
-Dedicated email address for all access questions access@solheimcup2019.com;
-Accessible Site Map to be made available in advance and to be distributed on arrival;
-Mobility Scooters available for hire free of charge-Viewing area for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility;
- Accessible toilet & Changing places toilets provided with changing bench and hoist;
- Draw sheets in large print;
- Access buddies present at all entry points to the event;
- All volunteers to be provided with disability awareness training;
-All Access buddies, Team Leaders and key front-line staff to be provided with a half day of Disability Awareness Training;
-Concession rate for senior people (60+), disabled people;
-Carers go free;
-Free onsite parking for blue badge holders; and
-Assistance dogs welcomes and spending facilities provided.
Many autistic people have sensory issues. This can affect one or more of the senses and they can be either over-developed (hypersensitive) or under-developed (hyposensitive). Both can have an impact on how people experience different environments. For example, autistic people may find certain background sounds, which other people ignore or block out, unbearably loud or distracting. This can cause anxiety or even physical pain (National Autistic Society). In 2010 addressing the needs of people with autism was recognised as a national priority. Following a period of consultation, the Scottish Government and COSLA launched the Scottish Strategy for Autism in November 2011. -Autism friendly quiet zone provided; and
-All Access buddies, Team Leaders and key front-line staff to be provided with a half day of Autism Awareness Training.
Lower participation by women in sport begins at around 13 to 15 years old, when substantially more boys begin to report participation in sport than girls (71% of boys compared with 56% of girls). Scottish Government (2015), Active Scotland Outcomes: Indicator Equality Analysis). To inspire young women to engage in competitive sports. The Solheim Cup is a biennial team competition between the top women professional golfers from Europe and the United States. The event has significant potential to inspire young women to participate in sport and also to creating a legacy for the future. Headline actions include:
  • Women and Girls National Club Workshops aim to use the Solheim Cup and R&A Women in Golf Charter as the platform to deliver a series of regional club workshops designed to influence clubs into taking positive action to address the challenges of recruiting more female golfers;
  • Scottish Golf will continue to run their Regional Club Forums following the Solheim Cup, using the R&A Women in Golf Charter and Solheim Cup messaging to influence positive change at clubs. Since January 2019 we have seen 53 clubs sign up to the charter with 4 regional forums staged and over 60 clubs in attendance.
  • Aberdeen Standard Investments will host their 5th annual Diversity Summit on 10 September at Gleneagles, as part of Solheim Cup week. The Diversity Summit will feature high profile, inspiring speakers and will focus on promoting women and addressing inequality.
  • VisitScotland has introduced the world's first golf tourism campaign aimed at female golfers. #HerScotland is designed to showcase that Scotland is an open and accessible destination for traveling female golfers with the objective of growing the number of women coming to Scotland to play.
Partner feedback related to the Commonwealth Games highlighted an opportunity to welcome the LGBTI community by providing gender neutral toilets. To explore the provision of gender neutral toilets to welcome the LGBTI community Gender neutral toilet facilities provided at the event.

Contact

Email: craig.morris@gov.scot

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